Thunder Roar Back, Embarrass Pacers in Game 2

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder roared back in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, crushing the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on June 8 at Paycom Center. After Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch shot stole Game 1, the Thunder, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points, tied the series 1-1 with a performance that showcased their depth and defensive prowess.


The Thunder’s offense was surgical, shooting 48.1% from the field and 37.1% (13-of-35) from three-point range, per ESPN.com. Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals on 11-of-21 shooting. Alex Caruso added 20 points, hitting 4-of-8 threes, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and 5 assists. Aaron Wiggins sparked the bench with 18 points, including five triples. The Pacers struggled at 43.8% shooting and 35% (14-of-40) from deep. Haliburton scored 17 points, Pascal Siakam 15, and Myles Turner 16, but their combined minus-20 underscored Indy’s woes. OKC dominated rebounds 46-39, per Basketball-Reference.com.

Indiana cut their Game 1 turnovers from 25 to 12, but OKC’s defense, ranked No. 1 in forcing 17.7 turnovers per 100 possessions this postseason, was relentless. The Thunder’s bench outscored Indy’s 52-34, with Caruso and Wiggins proving unstoppable. A crowd of 18,203 fueled the electric atmosphere, and the game clocked in at 2 hours, 34 minutes, reflecting OKC’s fast-paced style.

Jun 8 2025 Oklahoma City Oklahoma USA Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren 7 dunks against the Indiana Pacers during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center Mandatory Credit Kyle Terada Imagn Images

This win signals OKC’s intent to control the series with their top-ranked defense and transition game, which outscores opponents by 8.1 points per game. The Pacers, now heading to Indianapolis, must regroup for Game 3 on Wednesday, June 11, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Game 2 proved the Thunder are no fluke. Their blend of speed, defense, and bench firepower overwhelmed a Pacers squad that looked flat after their Game 1 heroics. OKC’s ability to exploit turnovers and dominate in transition exposed Indy’s vulnerabilities, setting the stage for a brutal series. Indianapolis will be a pressure cooker for Game 3, and the Pacers need Haliburton to rediscover his magic. Meanwhile, OKC’s confidence is sky-high, and their fans are dreaming of a title. This series is a dogfight, and the Thunder just bared their teeth.

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Jackson Fryburger