NBA Finals: Thunder bounce back to defeat the Pacers in Game 2, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from their Game 1 loss to level the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals series at 1-1, cruising past the Indiana Pacers 123-107 in Game 2 at the Paycom Center on Monday, June 9 (Philippine Standard Time).

OKC seized control of the game early and never let go, eventually pulling away in the second quarter—highlighting why they’re considered one of the top teams in the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again showed why he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor, leading OKC with 34 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. He combined effectively with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Holmgren added 15 points, six rebounds, and one block while shooting 6-of-11 from the field. Williams contributed 19 points and five rebounds.

Resilient. Relentless.

Series tied ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/LRXHvaiw3Q

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 9, 2025

“Basketball is a game of ups and downs—the season’s full of them, and so is a series,” Gilgeous-Alexander told a court reporter after the win. “It’s about the team that can stay level-headed and improve through those experiences. We’ve done a really good job of that all year. The last game was no different. Tonight was the same—we did some good things, we did some bad things. We’ve got to keep getting better and get ready for Game 3.”

For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton failed to replicate his Game 1 heroics, as OKC’s defense held him to just 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Overall, the Thunder limited the Pacers to just 34.9% shooting from the field.

With the series now tied at 1-1, the action shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will aim to capitalize on their home court and take a 2-1 lead in Game 3 on Thursday, June 12 (Philippine Standard Time).

Key Stats:

• Most Points: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 34 (in 36 minutes) 
• Most Assists: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 8 (in 36 minutes) 
• Most Rebounds: Isaiah Hartenstein – 8 (in 22 minutes)

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