Sport

Thunder Dominate Pacers, Equalize NBA Finals in Game 2 Blowout

2025-06-09

Author: Kai

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back decisively from their heartbreaking Game 1 defeat, dominating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Led by the unstoppable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 34 points, the Thunder showcased a balanced offense and unyielding defense that quashed any chance of an Indiana comeback. With this victory, the series is now tied 1-1.

"I always expect our team to play well," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "They’ve built that trust over time."

The Pacers, who were coming off a thrilling Game 1 win thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performance, struggled to keep pace this time. Haliburton led Indiana with 17 points and six assists, but his team was outmatched throughout the game.

Game 3 is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Indianapolis, and Haliburton expressed his disappointment, saying, "We really let the rope slip there in the second quarter." Despite his injury concerns, he noted, "There are many ways to digest what’s in front of you."

This matchup saw a Thunder team, known for its fierce regular-season performance with 68 wins, reclaim its swagger. Their resilience is evident—having not lost back-to-back games since November. The young team, aiming for their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, needs just three more wins to achieve their goal.

In contrast to their Game 1 comeback, the Pacers found themselves trailing early and often. A dismal second quarter widened the gap to 23 points, leading to a fruitless attempt at another dramatic comeback.

Oklahoma City's defense, recognized as the best in both the regular season and playoffs, smothered the Pacers, forcing 15 turnovers and controlling the boards—as opposed to the rebounding woes they faced previously.

Key contributions came from Chet Holmgren, who improved significantly from his previous game with 15 points and six rebounds, and Jalen Williams, who added 19 points and five assists.

The Thunder's bench shone brightly, with Alex Caruso scoring 20 points and Aaron Wiggins stepping in with 18. This well-rounded performance took the pressure off Gilgeous-Alexander and allowed everyone to thrive.

As Gilgeous-Alexander reached over 3,000 points for the season—including playoffs—he solidified his presence not just in this series but in the history of the game, ranking among legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The momentum tilts toward Oklahoma City, and the Thunder seem poised to maintain their advantage. However, the real test lies ahead; can the Pacers adjust to snatch back control in Game 3?

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the need for his stars to step up. Haliburton and Siakam, while both capable, were underwhelming, particularly early in the game, leading to their inability to mount a feasible threat against Oklahoma City's relentless attack.

The upcoming games are crucial, and the Pacers must find ways to ignite their offensive stars if they hope to challenge this formidable Thunder squad.