Pacers Game Stunner: Last-Second Shot Clinches Playoff Win—See the Highlights

Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals arrives tonight as the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, with the best-of-seven series locked at 2-2. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, and every possession now feels like a potential championship swing. Why this Pacers game matters • Momentum breaker: Game 5 winners in tied Finals go on to win the title more than 70 percent of the time, underscoring tonight’s stakes. • Health watch: All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton briefly exited Game 4 after aggravating a lower-leg issue and is officially listed as available, but his mobility will be under the microscope. • Star duel: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.7 ppg in the postseason) squares off against Pascal Siakam, who led Indiana with 20 points last outing. Key storylines to watch 1. Three-point variance. The Pacers shot just 9-for-34 from deep in Game 4; head coach Rick Carlisle insisted the looks were “clean” and expects positive regression. 2. Paint battle. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren’s rim protection has forced Indiana into mid-range pull-ups—an area where Siakam thrives but others struggle. 3. Crowd factor. OKC fans inside Paycom Center were borderline deafening in Game 3, and social media is already labeling them the “sixth man” of the series. Projected starting lineups Indiana: Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Siakam, Obi Toppin, Myles Turner Oklahoma City: Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein Live score & stats hub Real-time box scores and play-by-play updates will stream on NBA.com’s Nightly Pulse dashboard throughout the contest. For in-depth analytics—including shot charts and offensive rating swings—bookmark The Sporting News tracker. Fan reaction & social buzz Despite the razor-thin margin, some neutral fans labeled Game 4 “rigged,” citing late whistles that helped the Thunder pull even. Expect officiating to be under a microscope, with every replay challenge scrutinized on X (formerly Twitter) within seconds. How to watch & stream • TV: ABC/ESPN family of networks (national) • Streaming: ESPN+, NBA League Pass (international markets) • Radio: 1070 The Fan (Indianapolis), WWLS The Sports Animal (OKC) Betting line & odds movement Early Tuesday lines opened with the Thunder favored by 3.5 points, but Haliburton’s improved status trimmed the spread to Thunder ‑2 by mid-afternoon. The over/under sits at 215.5, reflecting defensive adjustments both coaches rolled out in Game 4. Bottom line With Indiana seeking its first NBA crown and Oklahoma City eyeing a second championship in franchise history, tonight’s Pacers game is more than just another Finals matchup—it’s a turning point that could define legacies on both sides of the court.