The Oklahoma City Thunder roared back in the NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 in Game 2 at the Paycom Center on Sunday night. With this decisive win, the series is now locked at 1-1 as both teams head to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4.
Learning from their Game 1 setback, where the Pacers excelled from beyond the arc, the Thunder tightened their perimeter defense. Led by the agile Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City limited Indiana to 14-of-40 shooting from three-point range, a significant drop from the 18-of-39 in the previous game.
Isaiah Hartenstein saw increased minutes, bolstering the Thunder’s interior defense and reducing the Pacers’ offensive rebounds to just seven, compared to 13 in Game 1. This strategic move paid dividends, especially when bench players took the floor.
Offensively, the Thunder diversified their attack. Instead of relying solely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), both Holmgren and Jalen Williams made their presence felt early. Holmgren poured in nine of his 15 points in the first quarter, while Williams added nine in the second.
SGA was in stellar form, leading all scorers with 34 points, alongside five rebounds and eight assists. His defensive prowess was on display too, as he topped the team with four steals.
Super-sub Alex Caruso was a game-changer off the bench, contributing 20 points and hitting four of eight from deep. His defensive intensity disrupted the Pacers’ rhythm, particularly during key moments when Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton attempted to spark comebacks.
The Pacers showcased a balanced scoring effort with seven players in double figures, but none surpassed the 20-point mark. Haliburton led Indiana with 17 points, 12 of which came in the final quarter as they tried to close the gap.
With momentum on their side, the Thunder look ahead to Game 3 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, aiming to seize the series lead.
