INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers rode an emotional roller coaster Thursday night.

They stood and applauded in tribute to the late Nancy Leonard, the organization’s matriarch. They cherished the newest addition to the fieldhouse rafters, an Eastern Conference championship banner. The fans booed, naturally, as Oklahoma City’s players were introduced and roared at the sight of the dapperly dressed two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.

Yes, opening night had a little bit of everything in this NBA Finals rematch, won by the Thunder, 141-135 in double overtime despite 36 points and 11 rebounds from Indiana's Bennedict Mathurin and 32 points and 15 rebounds from Pascal Siakam.

“I'm sure our fans will provide a great environment for this game,” coach Rick Carlisle predicted before tipoff. “Th

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