Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a fantastic performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-107 to tie the NBA Finals series 1-1.
The Thunder, who narrowly lost the opening game in heartbreaking fashion, showed resilience and determination to dominate Game Two from the start at the raucous Paycom Centre.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with an impressive 34 points. He also made history by surpassing the 3,000-point mark for the season – becoming only the 12th player in NBA history to reach this milestone.
Despite the pressure, he controlled the tempo, added five rebounds, and contributed eight assists. His performance helped his side maintain their grip throughout the encounter.
Supporting him in style, Jalen Williams poured in 19 points. Also, Aaron Wiggins chipped in 18 to keep the Pacers on the back foot. Notably, Chet Holmgren bounced back from a disappointing first game to tally 15 points and six rebounds.
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Pacers struggle as Thunder turn up the heat
While the Pacers showed spirit, they could not replicate their Game One magic. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been key in their previous win, was held to 17 points.
Haliburton visibly struggled late in the game, even limping slightly as he left the post-match press conference. Although seven Indiana players hit double figures – including Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam – their collective effort wasn’t enough to dent the Thunder’s momentum.
As the series shifts to Indianapolis for Game Three – its first NBA Finals game in 25 years – the Pacers will seek to regroup.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are now brimming with confidence and the series finely balanced. The battle for the championship promises to intensify dramatically. Both teams know the race to four wins is far from over.
Tags: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Jalen Williams, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Aaron Wiggins, Tyrese Haliburton, Chet Holmgren, #NBAFinals, Game Two, Indianapolis, NBA Finals series.
