The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of business on Sunday night. They came into Game 2 of the NBA Finals down 1-0 after the Indiana Pacers stole away Game 1, and OKC knew full well that they could not afford to lose this pivotal contest.
It was a dominant performance from the Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-high 34 points, five rebounds, eight assists, four steals and one block.
The Pacers, on the other hand, were dragged back down to earth after their incredible comeback win in Game 1. OKC utterly outplayed Indiana in this one as the Thunder flexed their supremacy over their underdog foes.
Sunday's turn of events prompted an urgent message from NBA dunk legend Dwight Howard. According to the one-time NBA champion big man, he's ready to go if the Pacers want him.
"Let me know if yall need help … I’m in shape yall see my last postð¥´ðð¤ð¾ #nbafinals" Howard captioned his post.
Howard's self-nomination drew all sorts of reactions from fans on social media.
"Bro try to get a free ring ð" a comment on Instagtam read.
"Indy??? come on!!!!ð¤£ð¤£ð¤£ð¤£ð¤£" said another.
"Not mad at this idea haha," admitted a user.
NBA player Dwight Howard watches a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers.
NBA player Dwight Howard watches a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
"Bro nobody needs your help lmao. Enjoy retirement ðð and chill," suggested a fan.
"Let it go old man ð you one of the goats but chill," another said.
"You know your team is cooked when Dwight posts a pic like this," a reaction read.
Howard--who last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and recently signed a contract to play in the Big3 League--was joking about joining the Pacers right before this series shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. However, there's no denying that there's a sense of urgency for Tyrese Haliburton and Co. here as they look to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Pacers will need to play much better in Game 3 on Wednesday in response to the Thunder's statement win. Indiana still holds the advantage in this series, but a loss in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will immediately turn this series around in favor of the Thunder.