"I save it for threes" - NBA broadcaster Mike Breen reveals why Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner didn’t earn iconic ‘bang’ call

NBA broadcaster Mike Breen didn't use his iconic phrase for Tyrese Haliburton when the Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder faced off in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday. Despite the Thunder having home-court advantage, the Pacers managed to secure the win thanks to Haliburton's last-second effort to take the lead.

Breen was one of the broadcasters on Thursday's game. He has broadcast many iconic NBA Finals matchups, including the heated rivalry between Steph Curry and LeBron James. In those previous games, we'd hear a lot of Breen's iconic "bang" shout. Typically, we'd hear the broadcaster scream the word when a player hits a big-time shot.

However, in Game 1 of this year's finals, Mike Breen did not drop a "bang" when Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning mid-range shot. The broadcaster instead screamed the words "it's good" when Hailburton nailed his jumper. Breen later explained why he refrained from using "bang".

"I save it for threes," Breen told Spots Illustrated.

As underwhelming as Breen's reaction might've been on Thursday, Haliburton will have more chances to earn his iconic "bang" call. Haliburton has been hitting the majority of the Pacers' game-winners throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs and is likely to get another during the Finals.

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Tyrese Haliburton takes Game 1 for Indiana

Despite being in a hostile environment, the Indiana Pacers beat the OKC Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers have Tyrese Haliburton to thank as he hit another game-winner for the team. Overall, the majority of the Indiana players who suited up for Game 1 reciprocated each other's energy to get the victory.

Three Pacers players had double-double performances on Thursday. Haliburton arguably had the best double-double outing with 14 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and one block. Pascal Siakam added 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one block. Aaron Nesmith had 10 points, 12 rebounds and one block.

Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin were also in double figures in Game 1. Turner nearly had a double-double performance, adding 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Nemhard had an all-around performance with 14 points, six assists and four rebounds. Toppin added 17 points and five rebounds.

The Indiana Pacers now have the advantage with momentum on their side heading into Game 2.