The Indiana Pacers shooting guard Tyrese Haliburton registered another clutch game winning moment in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. Not just this, he even mentioned that he is looking forward to doing it more.
What did Tyrese Haliburton say after defeating Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1
He made his feelings knowns after heading straight to the dugout as Indiana Pacers came from behind in the NBA Finals series opener as they defeated OKC Thunder 111-110. Tyrese Haliburton was the hero of the game as he struck the game winning basket with just 0.3 second left on the board. With his winner, the Indiana Pacers took the lead in the series.
When asked for having dramatic victories, Haliburton mentioned that the franchise are just finding new ways to win each and every time.
I just like to figure out different ways to win. It makes basketball fun.
Tyrese Haliburton has been turning heads in the ongoing playoffs as he registered clutch moments against Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. He is on track again against the might OKC Thunder.
The Indiana Pacers offensive play looked off color as they were struggling against the OKC Thunders defence. But, in the whole game, they stayed resilient. The Pacers were trailing for much of the game and were on course for a defeat but, then they gathered themselves and made a comeback from as much as 15 points down.
The winning moment of the game came from Haliburton's elbow with just 0.3 seconds left on the board. OKC still had a chance to score a basket but couldn't do so.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam recorded double-digit points with 19. Obi Toppin came off the bench and scored 17 points, 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Tyrese Haliburton finished the game with just 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
On the other hand, for the OKC Thunder, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who once again showed his class as he notched up 38 points against Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Now, Haliburton and the Pacers will be looking to clinch Game 2 and have a commanding lead in the seven game series as Game 2 would be played on Sunday.
Tyrese Haliburton praises collective resilience
The Indiana Pacers have proved to be resilient throughout the playoffs, something which Tyrese Haliburton has said that in the past that the team are striving for. He again spoke about it after Game 1 victory against the OKC Thunder as the Pacers were trailing for much of the game, which included 15 points in the fourth quarter.
We are a resilient group. We don't give up until the clock hits zero. We do a great job of just staying in the moment... We just walk teams down, Tyrese Haliburton told reporters.
Their 15 points comeback in the Game 1 against the OKC Thunder was their fifth of the postseason. They achieved the same feat against the Milwaukee Bucks, twice against the Cleveland Cavaliers and once against the New York Knicks.