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The 2025 NBA Finals took off in Oklahoma City, full of the flash that we expect from such a big game: celebrities sat in the front seats, the place was alive with zip, and everyone felt the thrill. But when the last buzzer blew, it was the Indiana Pacers who took the spotlight with a show of true grit.
In a match where they were down 15 points late in the fourth quarter, the Pacers held on tight to their well-known playoff style: fight till the end. This win was no lucky break; it was their fourth stunning late-game win in these playoffs, making sure everyone sees them as the team that won't give up easily.
The Thunder, ruling most of the game, looked set to guard home turf and grab the lead in the series. But the game's mood began to tilt toward Indiana in the last few minutes with some big stops on defense and a rush of fast scores that slowly closed the distance.
The key moment hit in the last tick, Tyrese Haliburton, cool in the heat, jumped and hit a crucial shot when only 0.3 seconds were left, nailing a 111-110 win and crushing the hopes of OKC fans.
The whole place, loud for most of the night, was now quiet. What began as a fun night for Thunder fans became a new part in the Pacers' shocking streak, one that now seems less like a fairy tale and more like a team finding its way under the big spotlight.
But the NBA Finals in 2025 weren't just about last-second shots and big threes; the sides of the court turned into a show too, as lots of famous people made the place shine like a star-filled walk.
Each time the TV showed the crowd, it was like a sudden guest star appeared: a sign of how deeply basketball and star life are now mixed. Whether they were firing up the fans, giving high-fives to players, or just feeling the big game buzz, these celebrities added a new feel to the finals.
Here is the list of the celebrities that were present at the NBA Game 1 Finals 2025
The NBA final game 1 may have started with the first tip, but the big show kicked off even before the first call, as a bunch of big celebrities came to witness the game unfold. The crowd was full of famous faces, with a mix of stars from movies, sports, social media, and more, all adding their own touch to the big game feel.
Cameras often zoomed in on well-known faces in the crowd, catching looks that soon spread all over social media. This mix of sports and pop culture has turned into a key part of the new NBA feel, and the 2025 Finals were the same.
1) Druski
As Game 1 of the NBA Finals 2025 took place in Oklahoma City, the cameras spotted a surprise face courtside, Drew Desbordes, better known to fans as Druski. Far more than just a funny guy and web star, Druski has made a real spot for himself in pop culture, mixing laughs with dashes of big impact.
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2) Haley Kalil
When Haley Kalil hit the game side at Game 1 of the NBA Finals with her man Kyle Vieira, she had a mix of star shine and real sports love. Born in Minnesota and now in New York City, Kalil said in a KOCO talk that she would have liked the Timberwolves or Knicks in the Finals. But with both teams out, she now backs the Oklahoma City Thunder.
3) John Haliburton
When the first NBA Finals game began in Oklahoma City, all eyes were not just on the players. In the crowd, John Haliburton, dad of Indiana Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton, was there, seen but not loud. Once not allowed at Pacers games for past troubles, John being at this big game showed things might have changed, like maybe the ban was gone or thought over again.
His being back near the game was clear to all, as the cameras saw him in a warm chat with Vaughn Alexander, the dad of Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. These two dads, tied by their sons' NBA paths, seemed to have a real and friendly chat.
4) Shaquille O'Neal
At Game 1 in Oklahoma City, the big basketball star showed up right by the court, making a strong mark that caught the eyes of fans and media. He did more than just watch; he jumped into the pregame show, mixing his lively vibe with the live broadcast easily.
As he talked with fans and those who write about the game, his love and deep know-how lit up the match. He linked the great old days with the fun now happening on the court.
5) Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard, who many know as "Superman," was seen taking a photo with a fan as he headed to his seat at Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City.
6) James Goldstein
Long before Game 1 of the NBA Finals took off in Oklahoma City, James Goldstein, a big fan known for his deep love for basketball and clear spot by the court, took an amazing photo.
This photo showed just how much he was into the game. He stood right behind the NBA-TV talk team, with big names like Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Isiah Thomas close by. Each of these guys have made a big mark on basketball history.
7) Jared McCain
Turning our eyes to the new star, Jared McCain, the Philadelphia 76ers' new guy, made a big splash at the event. He got people talking not just with his sports skills but with his fun way too.
Not just good on the court, Jared also got big on social media. On TikTok, his hit videos have won him a lot of fans and let him share who he is off the court.
This unique combination of sporting talent and digital influence positions Jared McCain as a multifaceted athlete whose impact extends both in the NBA arena and across social platforms, making him one of the most exciting young players to watch in the coming years.
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8) Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins, who moved from being a strong player on the basketball court to a known ESPN sports analyst, was seen at the event. This brought back old times for Oklahoma City Thunder fans. Perkins was with the Thunder from 2011 to 2015, a time known for the team's last long playoff run that ended in the NBA Finals. At the game, Perkins had a chat with Mayor Davis Holt.
Having famous people at NBA Game 1 of the 2025 Finals made the game feel even more exciting and full of glam. From old players who now talk about games to big names in music, movies, and hometown leaders, the crowd full of stars made the vibe in the place stronger, turning the Finals into a real big party of skill and love for the game, both seen and unseen on the court.
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