Chet Holmgren neared a record for how long humans can clench their jaw. For 8:15, so few words escaped his grinding teeth.

He settled into his postgame seat, bathing in a stunning 111-110 Game 1 defeat, with flames in his eyes and the visage of a man who’s seen gore. If looks could kill, his would do so serially.

He chewed on the bitter end of the paradox that saw the Indiana Pacers steal Game 1. The Oklahoma City Thunder , this millennium’s most handsy and incessant defense is bound to rear its insensitive head. But these Indiana Pacers, immune to double-digit deficits — and apparently double-digit turnovers — have often found themselves riding comebacks off into the sunset.

The Thunder controlled every second of Thursday’s Game 1. All but one.

With 2:52 to play, OKC led by nine.

See Full Page