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Thunder Equalize NBA Finals with Victory Over Pacers in Game 2
Oklahoma City Thunder secure a decisive win to level the series against Indiana Pacers.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder responded decisively in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, claiming a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers on June 8. This win allowed the Thunder to even the series at one game apiece, showcasing a resilient team strategy that has characterized their season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, marking a significant contribution to the team’s success.
Alex Caruso provided a strong boost off the bench, adding 20 points, while Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Chet Holmgren scored 19, 18, and 15 points respectively.
This game marked the Thunder's first finals game win since 2012, when they faced the Miami Heat.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance included a crucial milestone; his first basket of the night brought his season total to 3,000 points when combining regular season and playoffs.
He also became the leading scorer in the ongoing playoffs, surpassing New York's Jalen Brunson.
The Thunder’s scoring run of 19-2 in the second quarter saw them transform a modest six-point lead into a commanding 23-point advantage.
Although the Pacers managed to trim the lead to 13 at one point, the Thunder maintained control throughout the contest.
For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton contributed 17 points, while Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam added 16 and 15 points respectively.
Notably, the Pacers struggled to find scoring depth, becoming the first team since Miami in 2013 to have no 20-point scorer in their first two finals games.
After a strong comeback in Game 1 where they overcame a 15-point deficit, the Pacers were unable to replicate that momentum in Game 2.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle cited a challenging first half as a critical issue for his team's performance, acknowledging their reactive play as a limiting factor.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday in Indianapolis, marking the first finals game in the city in a quarter of a century.
The Thunder have shown a pattern of responding strongly to losses this season, standing at 18-2 in such scenarios, with 12 of those victories achieved by double-digit margins.
Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s focus and execution in the aftermath of their previous defeat, a narrow loss of 111-110 in Game 1, emphasizing their ability to concentrate on their performance.
The arena atmosphere was electric, reaching noise levels above 100 decibels, adding to the intensity of the matchup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, marking a significant contribution to the team’s success.
Alex Caruso provided a strong boost off the bench, adding 20 points, while Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Chet Holmgren scored 19, 18, and 15 points respectively.
This game marked the Thunder's first finals game win since 2012, when they faced the Miami Heat.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance included a crucial milestone; his first basket of the night brought his season total to 3,000 points when combining regular season and playoffs.
He also became the leading scorer in the ongoing playoffs, surpassing New York's Jalen Brunson.
The Thunder’s scoring run of 19-2 in the second quarter saw them transform a modest six-point lead into a commanding 23-point advantage.
Although the Pacers managed to trim the lead to 13 at one point, the Thunder maintained control throughout the contest.
For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton contributed 17 points, while Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam added 16 and 15 points respectively.
Notably, the Pacers struggled to find scoring depth, becoming the first team since Miami in 2013 to have no 20-point scorer in their first two finals games.
After a strong comeback in Game 1 where they overcame a 15-point deficit, the Pacers were unable to replicate that momentum in Game 2.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle cited a challenging first half as a critical issue for his team's performance, acknowledging their reactive play as a limiting factor.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday in Indianapolis, marking the first finals game in the city in a quarter of a century.
The Thunder have shown a pattern of responding strongly to losses this season, standing at 18-2 in such scenarios, with 12 of those victories achieved by double-digit margins.
Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s focus and execution in the aftermath of their previous defeat, a narrow loss of 111-110 in Game 1, emphasizing their ability to concentrate on their performance.
The arena atmosphere was electric, reaching noise levels above 100 decibels, adding to the intensity of the matchup.
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