The Indiana Pacers’ 25-year wait for a return to the NBA Finals ended on Thursday in Game 1 against the OKC Thunder. Tyrese Haliburton and Co. punched a ticket to the championship round by disposing of the higher-seeded New York Knicks to represent the Eastern Conference. They looked to draw first blood against the No. 1 ranked team in the playoffs.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault surprised the Pacers by putting guard Cason Wallace over center Isaiah Hartenstein to start the series. Wallace’s perimeter defense promptly stood out, helping force the visiting team to nine turnovers in the first quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points in 12 minutes to push the Thunder to a 29-20 lead.
Indiana Pacers vs OKC Thunder player stats and box score
Indiana Pacers player stats and box score
OKC Thunder player stats and box score
Editor's Note: Updates will follow.
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