OKLAHOMA CITY – No miracle comeback for the Indiana Pacers this time.
The Oklahoma City Thunder took Game 2 of the NBA Finals, 123-107 to even the series at one game apiece.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points to lead all scorers. This time, he had help, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams both scoring in double figures after having quiet offensive nights in Game 1. Williams had 19 points while Holmgren had 15.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 17 points, although the bulk of them came well after the game was decided. Myles Turner scored 16 and Pascal Siakam added 15.
The Thunder took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers 33-21. The Pacers had taken a 20-17 lead in the first quarter before Oklahoma City closed things out on a 9-0 and extended that run into the second quarter.
After that, the Thunder didn’t look back. The Pacers shot just 35% in the first half, while the Thunder shot 51%.
Every time the Pacers tried to make a run, Oklahoma City responded. OKC used a suffocating defense to force the Pacers into bad shots and turnovers, and while Indiana didn’t have 25 like Game 1, they were still inefficient on the offensive end.
All the while, Oklahoma City continued to knock down shots on the offensive end.
Unlike Game 1, the Pacers also struggled on the boards, surrendering offensive rebounds that allowed the Thunder to keep possessions alive and build their lead.
The Pacers trailed 109-89 with six minutes left in the game. Both teams emptied their benches with about three minutes left to play.
With the series knotted at 1-1, Game 3 is Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as things shift to Indianapolis. Tip is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
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