LeBron James reveals how the Pacers operate around Tyrese Haliburton following their Game 1 win vs Thunder

The Indiana Pacers opened their NBA Finals campaign with a thrilling 111–110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, thanks to a clutch game-winner from Tyrese Haliburton. The All-Star guard continues to prove himself as one of the league’s most reliable postseason performers, delivering under pressure yet again. LeBron James talked about how the Pacers operate.

Haliburton’s impact on the Pacers goes beyond the box score — and even NBA legends are taking notice. During the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash, the Lakers star offered high praise for Indiana’s leader.

“You get why the [Pacers] are the team they are, and it starts with the head of the snake,” James said. “You would run through a wall for certain guys, and [Hali] is a guy you would do that for.”

James also pointed to the Olympic experience the two shared during the 2024 Summer Games, where Haliburton’s energy and leadership left a lasting impression.

Haliburton is playing some of the best basketball of his career in this postseason. After being labeled “overrated” earlier in the season by critics, the 25-year-old guard has done nothing but deliver in the biggest moments — silencing doubters with his play. His Game 1 heroics only add to a strong playoff resume in which he’s averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 46.5% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc.

see also

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers poll: Choose the best player by position ahead of 2025 NBA Finals

But what makes Indiana dangerous isn’t just Haliburton’s brilliance — it’s their depth and cohesion. Six different Pacers scored in double figures in Game 1, highlighting the team’s collective approach and unselfish ball movement. Even without gaudy stats, Haliburton remains the undeniable engine of Indiana’s offense.

Andrew Nembhard also stepped up in the clutch, delivering key possessions and shaking off Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with dazzling footwork. The Pacers don’t rely solely on Haliburton to close games — a contrast to the Thunder, who have shown a noticeable dependence on Gilgeous-Alexander to generate offense late. As the series progresses, Indiana’s balance and chemistry may prove to be the edge that carries them forward.