OKLAHOMA CITY, (KYMA, KECY) - Oklahoma City made sure there was no repeat of Game 1. The Thunder led nearly wire to wire and dominated the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to even the NBA Finals at one game apiece.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the way, pouring in 34 points and adding eight assists. He became the first player in NBA history to score 72 points over his first two Finals games. The MVP was nearly flawless, shooting 11-for-21 from the field and 11-for-12 at the line.
Oklahoma City’s supporting cast stepped up in a big way. Alex Caruso exploded for 20 points off the bench, Aaron Wiggins added 18 with five made threes, and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren bounced back after quiet Game 1 outings. Holmgren finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
Indiana never truly threatened after halftime. Tyrese Haliburton was held to just 17 points and had five turnovers with zero free-throw attempts. Myles Turner (16 points) and Pascal Siakam (15 points) were the only other Pacers in double figures.
After letting Game 1 slip away on a buzzer-beater, the Thunder flipped the script, using physical defense, superior ball movement, and a dominant 29-of-33 performance at the free-throw line to put the Pacers on their heels.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Wednesday night, with the Finals locked at 1-1 and home court temporarily in Indiana’s favor.