When the Indiana Pacers found themselves down by nine points to the Oklahoma City Thunder with just 2 minutes and 52 seconds left in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the odds weren’t exactly in their favor. ESPN’s win probability model put their chances of pulling off a win at a mere 3.6%. Yet, in a demonstration of sheer tenacity, the Pacers flipped the script, rallying back to clinch a 111-110 victory and seize an early 1-0 lead in the series.
This comeback, while remarkable, was just another chapter in the Pacers’ playoff saga this year. The 2025 postseason has showcased Indiana’s uncanny knack for coming from behind, with each round featuring at least one stunning turnaround that left fans and analysts alike questioning the franchise’s composure under pressure.
Take, for instance, their exhilarating Game 5 clash against the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference quarterfinals. With only 39 seconds left in overtime, the Pacers faced a 7-point deficit, and their chances of winning hung at a staggering low of 2.1%. Defying expectations yet again, they fought back to win 119-118.
Then came the conference semifinals, where they pulled off yet another miracle in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Trailing by seven with just 57.1 seconds remaining, the Pacers had a 4.1% chance of pulling it off. And guess what? They did, sealing the game at 120-119 to advance.
Perhaps most astonishing was their Game 1 victory in the conference finals against the New York Knicks. Not only did the Pacers have to navigate a significant 14-point deficit with 2 minutes and 51 seconds left, but they did so against the odds of just 0.3%. The final score? A thrilling 138-135 finish that left their fans in a frenzy.
Winning even a single one of these games was an uphill battle, but to secure all four? That’s akin to witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event. In fact, the probability of such comebacks is so remote that it rivals being struck by lightning.
To really put this in perspective, the improbability of the Pacers’ four biggest comebacks during these playoffs can be illustrated against other extraordinary occurrences, highlighting just how fantastic their playoff journey has been so far. This run reflects not only the determination of the players but also their ability to unearth resilience in the most nail-biting moments, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable Finals series.
