OKC Thunder Responds with 123-107 Game 2 Win, Levels NBA Finals

Summary:

• The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers with a final score of 123-107.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals.
• Mark Daigneault’s side is headed into Game 3 after tying the series at 1-1.

Following their dramatic comeback in Game 1, the Indiana Pacers who beat the Cavs in the earlier round couldn’t find their rhythm on Sunday. The Oklahoma City Thunder set the tone early in Game 2 and never let up, keeping Indiana on the back foot for most of the night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win,

We used the opportunity to get better. We came in focused and made sure we didn’t repeat the mistakes from Game 1. We’ve done a really good job of it all year. And last game was no different… We did some things good tonight, we did some things bad. We’ve got to be able to get better, get ready for Game 3.

His final line with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals marked a complete performance from the MVP finalist.

Chet Holmgren, who looked overwhelmed in Game 1, came out far more assertive this time.

The Minneapolis native set the tone early, dropping nine of his 15 points in the first quarter. He added six rebounds, a block, and also shot an efficient 6-of-11 from the floor.

Jalen Williams also found his rhythm, bouncing back with 19 points, five boards, and five assists, a steady all-around effort from the second-year wing.

With the series now tied at 1-1, head coach Mark Daigneault’s squad heads into Game 3 riding a wave of momentum.

The Pacers’ go-to man, Tyrese Haliburton, never found his stride. He was virtually invisible in the first half with just three points, and ended the third quarter with five points and three turnovers.

He finished with 17, but by the time he started scoring, the game was long out of reach.

Indiana’s struggles weren’t just about Haliburton, though. Aside from a 16-point third quarter burst from Myles Turner and 15 from Pascal Siakam, no one truly stepped up.

The Thunder defense did its job, holding Indiana to 38.7% shooting through three quarters.

Oklahoma City’s bench came through in a big way, with Alex Caruso pouring in 20 points and Aaron Wiggins adding 18. Together, they outscored the entire Indiana bench and helped extend the Thunder’s lead in the second half.

Oklahoma City looked every bit like a Finals contender, combining efficient shooting (48.8%) with lockdown defense and strong bench play. They’ll head into Game 3 with confidence, while Indiana will need to regroup and rediscover the magic that got them here.

Game 3 tips off Wednesday night in Indianapolis with the latest basketball odd offered with selected sportsbooks.