Thunder Strike Back Hard in Game 2
Oklahoma City was all business on Sunday night. Fans at the Paycom Center could feel the urgency as the Thunder, fresh off a disappointing Game 1, stormed back to even the NBA Finals with a 123-107 rout of the Indiana Pacers. This was vintage Thunder basketball—aggressive, disruptive, and relentless, especially on the defensive end.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over like only an MVP can. From the opening tip, he pressured Indiana’s guards, slipping past screens and making every drive a challenge. Just last season he was named Most Valuable Player, and his on-court leadership showed why. Gilgeous-Alexander’s mix of efficient shooting and timely defense set the tone, but it wasn’t just him.
OKC’s backcourt, with Lu Dort and Jalen Williams—both All-Defensive selections—created havoc all night. The Pacers, who rely so much on Tyrese Haliburton’s wizardry as a passer, couldn’t find open lanes or rhythm. Every time Indiana thought they had a good look, someone in a Thunder jersey closed the gap and forced a tough shot or a turnover.
Pacers Search for Answers, Series Heads to Indy
Poor Haliburton; as the primary engine for the Pacers, he saw a fast, coordinated wall of defense wherever he went. Boxes-and-one, double teams at half-court, nothing the Thunder threw at him seemed out of bounds. He had his moments, but his shots didn't fall as smoothly, and Oklahoma City devoured his passing angles.
Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, fresh off earning Eastern Conference Finals MVP, tried to steady the team with his midrange game, but the Pacers were outplayed on both ends. Their transition opportunities dried up, and their usually reliable outside shooting never got hot. The Thunder’s balanced attack simply wouldn’t let up, feeding off stops and crashing the glass to pull away early in the third quarter. By the final stretch, Oklahoma City’s lead was never really threatened.
This energy shift comes at a perfect time for the Thunder, who now carry momentum as the series swings to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday night. The Pacers haven’t reached an NBA Finals since 2000, and this is only their second shot at a title since their ABA glory days. For the Thunder, their last championship was technically in Seattle, way back in 1979—so neither club is taking this moment lightly.
The format for the Finals—2-2-1-1-1—favors the Thunder’s regular season dominance, earning them home-court edge for a possible Game 7. But with the split after two games, it’s anyone’s series. All eyes move to Indiana now, where the Pacers are desperate to recapture their confidence and slow down Gilgeous-Alexander’s crew. Game 3 promises to be a war, with both teams’ young stars chasing history.
