OKLAHOMA CITY — In a decisive Game 2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his incredible talent, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With this win, the series is now tied at 1-1 as it heads to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday. Gilgeous-Alexander scored an impressive 34 points, marking his 13th game of 30 or more points during the playoffs, but his impact on the game extended far beyond just numbers.
Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated exceptional control and leadership throughout the game. Utilizing higher pick setups from the Thunder, he adeptly maneuvered through the defense, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. He showcased his sharpshooting skills, converting 9-of-16 attempts from midrange and adding 14 points in the paint. Defensively, he was a force, effectively neutralizing Tyrese Haliburton and disrupting the Pacers' pick-and-roll strategies all night long.
The Thunder's performance in Game 2 was a stark contrast to their Game 1 showing. Oklahoma City came out aggressive from the very beginning, executing their game plan effectively. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren were instrumental, combining for 34 points and 11 rebounds, and starting the game shooting an impressive 6-of-9 from the floor. The entire team excelled from midrange, shooting 21-of-36 (58.3%) for the game.
In the first half, the Thunder scored 26 of their 59 points in the paint and finished with a total of 42 points from close range. This inside presence led to effective ball movement and open looks from beyond the arc. Coach Mark Daigneault made a strategic decision to employ a two-big lineup featuring Holmgren and Isiah Hartenstein, a move that had not been utilized in Game 1. This change proved beneficial, as they contributed positively during their time on the court.
The Thunder's depth was a significant factor in their success, with the bench contributing a remarkable 48 points. Alex Caruso led the second unit with 20 points, while Aaron Wiggins added 18 points, both surpassing any individual scoring effort from the Pacers. Thanks to this depth, the Thunder managed to build their lead to as much as 23 points, maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the game.
“I just thought we were the aggressor tonight for much of the game, even when we had a lead,” Coach Daigneault stated. “The guys did a really good job of keeping the foot on the gas, especially defensively.” The Thunder's commitment to defense was evident, as they applied pressure consistently, preventing the Pacers from gaining any momentum.
On the other hand, it was a challenging night for the Pacers and their star, Tyrese Haliburton. Despite a late surge in the fourth quarter where he scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, Haliburton struggled for most of the game to engage his teammates under the Thunder's relentless defensive pressure. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the team's poor performance, particularly in the first half, stating, “You can’t be a team that’s reactive and expect to be successful or have consistency.”
Myles Turner provided a glimmer of hope for the Pacers with 16 points, including a much-needed dunk to channel his frustrations. However, Indiana will need to significantly improve their performance as they head home for Game 3. Currently, the Thunder have led for a staggering 91:22 in the series, while the Pacers have only managed to lead for 1:53. To reclaim the series momentum, the Pacers must find their rhythm and establish a stronger home court presence.
As the NBA Finals shift to Indiana, the Pacers are determined to bounce back and take control of the series. With Game 3 on the horizon, Haliburton and the rest of the team will need to step up their game and deliver a performance that can challenge the Thunder's dominance. The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams look to assert their will in this tightly contested series.
