In a game that further solidified their status as the team to beat in these NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding performance to take a 2-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers with a 123-107 victory. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Thunder showcased their depth, athleticism, and championship poise, leaving the Pacers searching for answers as the series shifts to Indianapolis.
The tone was set early by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who once again proved why he is a frontrunner for Finals MVP. The superstar guard poured in 32 points, dished out 9 assists, and grabbed 6 rebounds, controlling the game with his signature blend of mid-range mastery and relentless drives to the rim. Every time the Pacers threatened to cut into the lead, Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a cold-blooded bucket or a perfectly timed pass to an open teammate. His leadership on both ends of the floor was the backbone of Oklahoma City’s success.
But the Thunder’s dominance was far from a one-man show. Chet Holmgren, the rookie phenom, continued his stellar postseason with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double, altering countless shots at the rim and stretching the floor with his three-point shooting. His ability to impact the game defensively while also serving as a reliable offensive weapon gave Indiana fits all night. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City’s rising star, added 21 points, including several explosive dunks that ignited the home crowd and demoralized the Pacers’ defense.
The Pacers, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency outside of Tyrese Haliburton, who fought valiantly with 28 points and 8 assists. Indiana’s offense, which had been one of the most efficient in the league all season, was repeatedly disrupted by Oklahoma City’s length and defensive rotations. Pascal Siakam, who had been a reliable scorer throughout the playoffs, was held to just 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting, while Myles Turner was largely neutralized by Holmgren’s rim protection. The Pacers’ bench, usually a strength, was outplayed by the Thunder’s reserves, particularly Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace, who provided timely shooting and defensive energy.
One of the defining sequences of the game came late in the third quarter when the Thunder went on a 14-2 run, turning a tight contest into a double-digit lead that Indiana could never recover from. The run was fueled by stifling defense and transition opportunities, a hallmark of this young but disciplined Oklahoma City squad. Every time the Pacers tried to mount a comeback, the Thunder answered with a three-pointer, a steal, or a second-chance bucket, showcasing their versatility and composure.
By the fourth quarter, the outcome was never in doubt. Oklahoma City’s ball movement was crisp, their shot-making was elite, and their defense remained locked in. The Pacers, despite their best efforts, looked gassed and outmatched, unable to counter the Thunder’s relentless attack. As the final minutes ticked away, the Paycom Center crowd erupted in celebration, sensing that their team is on the verge of something special.
The series now shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, where the Pacers will desperately need to protect home court to avoid falling into an insurmountable 3-0 hole. For Oklahoma City, the mission remains simple: keep doing what they’ve been doing. Their blend of youth, talent, and poise has them two wins away from an NBA championship, and if they continue playing at this level, it’s hard to see anyone stopping them.
Game 2 wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Thunder aren’t just here to compete; they’re here to dominate. And if the Pacers don’t find a way to counter their firepower soon, this series could be over faster than anyone expected.
