The Indiana Pacers, after a shocking comeback in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, got shown why the Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the NBA during Sunday's Game 2 of the series.
The Thunder won, 123-107, and led for all of the second, third, and fourth quarters. The Pacers barely lost the turnover battle, although the Thunder were able to push the pace, score in transition, and get second-chance points.
All in all, it looked like OKC beat the Pacers at their own game.
However, by taking Game 1, the Pacers will return home to Indiana with the series tied and with a clear advantage in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Pascal Siakam, despite the advantage, demands that he and his team win every game.
"I mean, I think you want to win every game you play," he stated clearly. "So we're not happy with how the game went today, and that's it. We just got to turn the page, focus on Game 3. That's the biggest game of the year."
Since both the Pacers and Thunder play in smaller markets, their fan bases are more rabid and loyal than those of bigger market teams, and Siakam expects the Indiana loyal to make a hostile environment for the Thunder.
"Our fans, obviously, I know they're super excited to have us," he said. "And we're excited to be back in our home arena with our home fans and just ready to compete, play hard. That's our focus."
Game 3 tips off on Wednesday evening, and the Pacers are 6-2 at home in the postseason. Siakam is right: the game will be the biggest one of their season so far, and perhaps the biggest Pacers' game since 2000.
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