Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Blowout Win Over Indiana

No Tyrese Haliburton game-winner this time.

The Oklahoma City Thunder made a press release in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, emphatically rebounding with a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The win tied the collection at 1-1, reverting momentum to OKC because the Finals moved to Indianapolis for Game 3.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Puts on a Clinic

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supplied an MVP-caliber efficiency, going 34 factors on 11-of-21 capturing and 11 of 12 from the free-throw line. The All-Star NBA guard was in command from the tip of the sport, dictating the tempo offensively whereas main the Thunder’s stout defensive assault.

After a subpar conclusion to Game 1, when he missed a would-be game-winner, Gilgeous-Alexander returned sharper and extra concentrated.

Aside from their candy win, the “Free Throw Merchant” recorded one other historical past within the NBA books. His 72 factors via his first two Finals video games have been essentially the most in NBA historical past.

Thunder Defense Shuts Down Indiana’s Offense

Oklahoma City’s protection clamped down early and by no means let up. The Thunder held the Pacers to only 38.7% capturing via the primary three quarters, making each possession a problem.

Indiana, recognized for its fast scoring and resilience, struggled to discover a rhythm, notably Tyrese Haliburton, who managed solely 5 factors via three quarters earlier than ending with 17.

The Pacers had no answer for the Thunder’s pesky perimeter protection and have been outrun in transition and half-court. This was in stark distinction to Game 1, when Indiana’s fourth-quarter comeback surprised OKC.

Thunder Fix Game 1 Mistakes and Dominate the Paint

After blowing a 15-point lead in Game 1, Oklahoma City ensured that historical past didn’t repeat itself. The Thunder took the lead in the course of the second quarter and had a double-digit benefit within the final 31 minutes of the sport.

This time round, the Thunder swept their errors apart. They outshot Indiana from the ground, shot higher from past the three-point line, and out-rebounded the Pacers — one thing that they had dominated through the opener. OKC additionally tried extra free throws and made these alternatives with exceptional effectiveness.

OKC’s Supporting Casts Step Up

The Thunder will not win Game 2 with SGA alone. Alex Caruso scored 20 factors, whereas Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins added 19 factors and 18 factors, respectively. Meanwhile, large man Chet Holmgren rebounded in a significant means, scoring 15 and making pictures on protection.

“That’s a long 48 hours when you lose Game 1 like that, coming into Game 2,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault mentioned. “The guys did a great job of just focusing on what we needed to do to stack to a win tonight. That’s how we got it.”

Pacers’ Comeback Magic Runs Dry

Even with their comeback repute this postseason, the Pacers couldn’t conjure up one other miracle. Indiana was behind for greater than 38 minutes and by no means forward by greater than three factors at any level. Haliburton’s late surge was not sufficient, and the Thunder’s lead swelled as the sport went alongside.

With the NBA Finals tied 1-1, Game 3 can be an necessary swing sport. Oklahoma City has appeared to rebound and edge again into rhythm, whereas Indiana must regroup in a rush to get behind at dwelling.