The Oklahoma City Thunder were in dire need of a win on Sunday night. This is after the Indiana Pacers shocked them in Game 1 thanks to an incredible Tyrese Haliburton game-winner.
The Thunder knew full well that defeat was not an option for them as losing the first two games of the NBA Finals on their own home floor would be nothing short of catastrophic.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander answered the call. The newly crowned NBA Most Valuable Player went off to carry his team to a pivotal Game 2 victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a game-high 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting, to go along with five rebounds, eight assists, four steals, a block and one triple in 36 minutes of play. The three-time All-Star was also nearly perfect from the charity stripe, knocking down 11 out of his 12 attempts from the line.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the 2025 Most Valuable Player award.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the 2025 Most Valuable Player award.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
That's now back-to-back 30-point games for Gilgeous-Alexander following his 38-point explosion in Game 1.
The NBA took to social media shortly after the game to announce another bit of history for the Thunder superstar.
"HISTORY FOR SGA! ð @shai passes Allen Iverson for the most points EVER through a player’s first two career NBA Finals games with 72! ð¤¯" the league posted on Instagram.
The Thunder will need more of the same from Gilgeous-Alexander as this series now shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. OKC may have won on Sunday, but the Pacers' Game 1 victory might have given them the advantage in this series.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Co., however, can turn this series around completely with a win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.