The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back in a big way, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. This victory, fueled by a dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong showing from the bench, evens the series at 1-1 as it shifts to Indianapolis.
After dropping Game 1 in a close contest, the Thunder responded with the kind of resilience that defined their impressive 2024-25 season. Oklahoma City finished the regular season with a league-leading 68-14 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Their ability to bounce back from losses has been a hallmark of their success. Including the NBA Cup title game, the Thunder are now 18-2 this season when coming off a loss. Of those 18 wins, 12 have been by double digits.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder with 34 points, showcasing the efficiency that earned him the NBA's Most Valuable Player award this season. He made 11 of 21 shot attempts, adding significantly to his already impressive playoff scoring total. In fact, his first basket of the night marked his 3,000th point of the season, regular season and playoffs combined.
Oklahoma City's defense was also a key factor in their Game 2 win. They effectively limited Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to just 17 points, a far cry from his Game 1 performance. Haliburton, who scored a last-gasp game-winner in the series opener, was held to only five points through the first three quarters. While he managed 12 points in the final quarter, it wasn't enough to spark a Pacers comeback.
The Thunder's bench outscored the Pacers' reserves 48-34, highlighting the depth of their roster. Alex Caruso contributed 20 points off the bench, while Aaron Wiggins added 18. Jalen Williams also chipped in with 19 points, and Chet Holmgren finished with 15.
Indiana struggled to find consistency throughout the game. While six players reached double figures in scoring, the Pacers couldn't replicate the resilience they displayed in Game 1, where they overcame a 15-point deficit. The Pacers were led by Haliburton with 17 points, followed by Myles Turner with 16 and Pascal Siakam with 15.
The series now heads to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 will mark the first NBA Finals game in Indianapolis in 25 years. The Pacers will need to address their rebounding and turnover issues to regain a competitive edge. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the need for his team to be more proactive rather than reactive.
For the Thunder, the key will be to maintain their strong performance and remain vigilant against potential comebacks from the Pacers. They'll aim to replicate their Game 2 intensity and capitalize on their strengths.
The question remains: can the Thunder carry this momentum forward and potentially secure a "gentleman's sweep" against the Pacers? A "gentleman's sweep" refers to winning a seven-game series 4-1. To achieve this, OKC would need to win at least one of the two games in Indiana, then win both home games.
While the Thunder have demonstrated the ability to dominate, the Pacers have shown flashes of brilliance and the capacity to fight back. The series is far from over, and the upcoming games in Indianapolis promise to be fiercely contested.
