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Thunder Overcome Pacers in Game 2 with Stellar Performance
The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back in Game 2, decisively evening the NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers with a 123-107 victory. Unlike the previous matchup, this time the Thunder maintained their lead and showcased their true potential.
In Game 1, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a spectacular performance, hitting a last-second shot that secured a thrilling win for the Pacers. However, in Game 2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates dominated the court, denying Indiana the chance to repeat their heroics.
Gilgeous-Alexander Takes the Lead
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s Most Valuable Player, responded brilliantly to Indiana’s comeback in Game 1. His outstanding performance included scoring 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the floor, complemented by an impressive 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. He not only led all scorers but also contributed significantly in other facets of the game.
In addition to his scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stat line boasted eight assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one block. His all-around efforts were pivotal in establishing the Thunder’s dominance on the court.
Support from a Deep Bench
The Thunder’s bench provided crucial support, as Alex Caruso found his rhythm from three-point range, sinking four of his eight attempts for a total of 20 points. Aaron Wiggins also played a vital role, scoring 18 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting while grabbing four rebounds.
In addition to their bench’s contributions, the starting lineup also made significant impacts. Jalen Williams scored 19 points, along with five rebounds and five assists, while Chet Holmgren added 15 points and six rebounds, showcasing the Thunder’s depth and versatility.
Pacers Struggle to Find Rhythm
Despite the defeat, every Indiana starter managed to score in double digits, reflecting their balanced offensive play. However, their shooting from beyond the arc proved to be a struggle. The Pacers shot just 35 percent from three, going 14-of-40 as a team. This inefficiency allowed Oklahoma City to pull away.
Tyrese Haliburton had a respectable outing, finishing with 17 points after hitting 7-of-13 from the field, although he was limited to just 3-of-8 from long range. Other notable contributions came from Myles Turner, who scored 16 points, and Pascal Siakam’s 15 points along with seven rebounds.
Notable Shooting Struggles
The combined performance of Turner, Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard, who totaled 11 points, reflected a surprising downturn. The trio managed only 3-of-13 from three-point territory, which is not representative of their usual shooting capabilities in these playoffs.
Thunder Dominate the Game
The Thunder’s ability to control the game was evident as they built a lead as large as 23 points. Conversely, the Pacers only held a brief lead at three points during the contest. This marked a stark contrast from the previous game, where Indiana commanded the closing moments.
In the tightly contested series, the Pacers narrowly led Game 1 by only 0.3 seconds after Haliburton’s mid-range jumper found its mark. With the series tied, the atmosphere is sure to intensify as it shifts back to Indiana.
Looking Ahead
As the series heads to Indiana for Game 3, set for Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths. The Thunder will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Pacers will need to adjust to secure their home-court advantage.
Basketball fans can expect an exciting showdown as two skilled teams battle for supremacy in the finals. The stakes are high, and every game will be crucial for championship aspirations.
Follow Fox News Digital for up-to-date sports coverage and subscribe to the latest sports news. Stay tuned for future developments in this riveting series.
