Thunder’s Explosive Start Leaves Pacers Chasing in Game 2
The NBA Finals are always full of unpredictable moments, but the Oklahoma City Thunder left little to chance in Game 2. They overwhelmed the Indiana Pacers from the opening tip, racing ahead and never really looking back. NBA Finals intensity was clear, with the Thunder shifting into top gear early and punishing the Pacers for every misstep. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t miss, racking up 34 points with authority. He sliced through Indiana’s defense like a hot knife through butter, even handing out 8 assists to teammates who looked ready for the big stage. Alex Caruso, not exactly known as a scoring machine, caught fire from deep—landing 4 three-pointers on his way to 20 points and electrifying the crowd.
Whenever Indiana tried to claw back, OKC responded with tough, composed basketball. Through hustle plays and smart defensive rotations, the Thunder just kept stacking on the pressure. The Pacers’ defenders hesitated on rotations and looked overwhelmed by Oklahoma City’s relentless pace—especially in that first quarter, where the damage was done early and set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Indiana’s Slow Starts Are Proving Costly
For Pacers fans, this pattern is starting to sting. In both Finals games so far, Indiana has sputtered out of the gates before finding their rhythm—by then, the Thunder had all the momentum. Tyrese Haliburton put up a solid fight, dropping 17 points and snagging 6 assists, but there was no frantic scoring run or rejuvenating stop that could flip the script. Other Pacers starters struggled to get involved or stay locked in defensively. The Thunder forced hurried shots, exploited mismatches, and simply out-executed Indiana’s game plan.
Defensive lapses continue to haunt Indiana. Quarter after quarter, their communication on screens lagged behind, giving shooters like Caruso all the time in the world. The Pacers’ offensive flow suffered as frustration mounted and forced them into difficult, low-percentage looks. A few late-game bursts from bench players trimmed the deficit, but they never truly threatened OKC’s control of the scoreboard.
With the Finals shifting to Indianapolis, the Pacers have a chance to regroup. Will they finally break free from these slow starts and bring some fire early? Their playoff journey has always been about hustle and resilience, but they need to tap into something deeper. Game 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch: Indiana’s back is against the wall, and OKC has proven they aren’t fazed by the moment.