Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots against Indiana Pacers Guard TJ McConnell (9) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals Basket Balks Sunday 8 June 2025 in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oklahoma City-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received some much needed help from his teammates in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and the Oklahoma City Thunder even the series against the Indiana Pacers with a victory of 123-107 on Sunday evening.
Gilgous-Alexander scored 38 points in game 1, but his supporting cast could not get it going, and Tyrese Haliburton’s sweater in the last second gave the Pacers a 111-110 victory.
Read: NBA Finals: Thunder responds with Game 2 Rout van Pacers
⛈️ OKC’s depth dominates Game 2 ⛈️
Alex Caruso: 20 points
Jalen Williams: 19 points
Aaron Wiggins: 18 points
Chet Holmgren: 15 pointsThey join Shai as the fifth quintet since 2000 to score 15+ in a final game! https://t.co/ZBQWTXPA9P pic.twitter.com/qbfthqyves
– NBA (@NBA) June 9, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander had 34 points and eight assists in Game 2-typical production of the MVP and Score Champion of the competition.
Co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren played more on Sunday as their usual self and made sure that the Pacers had no chance to use their last second magic. Veteran reserve Alex Caruso still had a strong performance and Aaron Wiggins provided a surprise boost in the first final of Oklahoma City since 2012.
“I thought everyone played better individually and I thought we were better playing collectively,” said Thunder -coach Mark Daigneault.
Wiggins, who barely played in game 1 and scored three points, had 18 in Game 2 and made five 3-Pointers. He said that the inconsistent minutes are not ideal, but his goal is to help the team.
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“It’s the NBA,” he said. “There are many highlights and lows. There are many other guys who go through similar things and boys who have just earned their rights. Insight into that, I am still blessed to be in the NBA and do what I love. At this level you cannot consider it obvious. Just stay ready and use the chances I get.”
His performance was a welcome sight for the Thunder.
“He was very last night,” said Daigneault. “It went in with great confidence. Only went in the second quarter and immediately went into play. Great professionalism, great willingness and a huge achievement for us in that situation.”
Williams, an All-Star who scored 17 points on 6-out-19 shooting in the opener, followed that with 19 points. He didn’t shot so well – he only made 5 of the 14 field goals, but he made 8 out of 9 free throws and put pressure on the defense of Indiana.
Read: NBA Finals: Thunder collapses when it mattered the most in game 1
Holmgren, who only scored six points in the opener, bounced back with 15 points and six rebounds on a 6-out-11 shooting. Caruso, the experienced guard who picked up the Thunder in a trade outside the season, scored 20 points and was 4 for 8-Pointers.
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The Pacers expect that Gilgous-Alexander scores, but they also know that they should do better against the other players of Oklahoma City in Game 3 in Indianapolis.
“It is a matter of delay him (Gilgous-Alexander) and limit the role players,” said Pacers Center Myles Turner. “A few of their boys were performed tonight. I think Wiggins had a great game. Caruso, he did what he had to do. It’s about limiting their roll players and at least make it harder.”
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