The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back in Game 2 of the NBA Finals with a dominant 123–107 win over the Indiana Pacers on June 8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points and 8 assists, as five Thunder players scored at least 15 points.
Winners:
- Alex Caruso & Aaron Wiggins: Combined for 38 points off the bench and hit 9 of the team’s 14 threes.
- Chet Holmgren: Rebounded from a weak Game 1 with 15 points, 9 of them in the first quarter.
- Thunder’s Double-Big Lineup: Holmgren and Hartenstein helped dominate the paint, outscoring Indiana 26–12 inside in the first half.
Losers:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Scored only 5 points through three quarters before a late push; slow starts may become a problem.
- Pacers’ Paint Attack: Indiana struggled against OKC’s physical defense and couldn’t penetrate effectively.
- Pacers’ Bench: Obi Toppin and Thomas Bryant combined for just 4 points after a solid Game 1; Indiana lacked scoring balance.