Thunder Dominate Game 2 to Tie NBA Finals Against Pacers: Gilgeous-Alexander Shines

Thunder Rewrite Script in Game 2 Blowout Over Pacers

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Game 2 of the NBA Finals stinging from a tough loss, but they didn’t waste time flipping the narrative. On their home floor, they dismantled the Indiana Pacers 123-107 and sent a clear warning that this is going to be a battle. The series is now locked at 1-1, keeping both fan bases on edge as the next chapter unfolds in Indiana.

All eyes were on MVP guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he lived up to the billing with a calm, commanding 34 points. His drives tore through Indiana’s defense, and every bucket seemed to punctuate the Thunder's intent to erase memories of the Game 1 slip-up. He wasn’t alone. Alex Caruso, coming off the bench, dropped in 20 points, making every run from Indiana feel like a blip. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren continued looking mature beyond his years, rattling off 15 points and anchoring Oklahoma City’s defense against the Pacers’ inside threats.

Perhaps the biggest twist came with how the Thunder handled Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. After his electric, game-winning shot in the opener, Haliburton was shackled from the tip, held to just five points over the first three quarters. It was obvious the Thunder built their gameplan around limiting his vision and making every shot tough. While Haliburton managed a few assists, he could never get the groove going or light the crowd up the way he did in Game 1, and the Pacers looked lost without his leadership on the floor.

The impact of bench depth and on-court chemistry showed up loudest during the periods when Indiana’s Haliburton and Myles Turner sat. The Thunder seized these moments, outscoring Indiana by double figures. Caruso, in particular, seemed to thrive on picking apart the Pacers' second unit, and Isaiah Joe chipped in clutch shooting to keep the lead steady any time there was a hint of comeback energy from the other side.

No team has found NBA glory since the Thunder moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008, and the Pacers haven’t tasted a championship since their ABA days in the 1970s. That history haunts every possession. The NBA Finals stakes were plain in the intensity—every loose ball, every defensive set had both teams grinding. But this time, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s tweaks made the difference, especially defensively. Unlike Game 1, his squad switched up their pick-and-roll coverage and forced Indiana into tough long-range shots instead of easy looks at the rim.

Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Indiana

Now the Finals head to Indiana, with the Thunder hoping their revamped defensive plan can travel on the road. The Pacers, meanwhile, need more answers—especially when Haliburton and Turner catch a breather, which turned into a nightmare in Game 2. Expect coach Rick Carlisle to tinker with rotations and hunt for more reliable bench scoring to keep pace.

The rows of blue and gold at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are going to be louder than ever. The sense of urgency is real; a 2-1 series lead puts all the pressure on the loser. Fans hungry for a piece of NBA history won’t have to wait long—Game 3’s tipoff is set for Wednesday night, and all signs point to a dogfight as both franchises chase the one thing missing from their resumes: an NBA championship ring.