Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers did not look like his regular self during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. He only produced four points, leading his team to a tough defeat. With the Pacers now on the verge of elimination,

Tyrese Haliburton brought up the Indiana Pacers' underdog status when discussing the team's modest locker room celebration after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

The Indiana Pacers entered the 2025 NBA Finals as heavy underdogs to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and for good reason. OKC is a 68-win regular season team with a historic margin of victory. Still, the Pacers are only two wins away from bringing home their first title trophy since their ABA days.

The Pacers' quick and surprising rebuild after a 25-win season in 2021-22 has been built on players who were frequently doubted on their way up.

Following their shocking, come-from-behind victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday night, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton discussed the motivation his team has used to get to this point.

The NBA Finals are a matchup between two small markets, and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is making sure he basks in the national spotlight.