OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received crucial support from his teammates in the second game of the NBA Finals, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to level the series with a 123-107 triumph over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
In Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a remarkable 38 points, but his efforts fell short as Tyrese Haliburton netted a clutch jumper in the final second to edge the Pacers to a 111-110 victory. The Thunder’s star player kept up his impressive performance in Game 2, scoring 34 points and handing out eight assists, staying true to his MVP and scoring champion form.
Key contributors such as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren displayed their typical capabilities, which thwarted any chance for the Pacers to pull off another last-second win. Additionally, veteran reserve Alex Caruso shone brightly, and Aaron Wiggins unexpectedly bolstered the team’s effort, helping secure Oklahoma City’s first Finals victory since 2012.
“Individually and collectively, I thought we were much improved,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.
After barely contributing in Game 1 with just three points, Wiggins stepped up in Game 2 by scoring 18 points and hitting five 3-pointers. While acknowledging that his inconsistent minutes can be challenging, he emphasized his commitment to aiding the team’s cause.
“This is the NBA,” he mentioned. “There are many ups and downs. Other players go through similar situations, and others have earned their place. Recognizing that, I feel fortunate to be a part of the NBA and to play the game I love. I don’t take it for granted, so I stay prepared and seize every opportunity.”
Wiggins’s enhanced performance was undoubtedly a promising development for the Thunder.
“He was phenomenal tonight,” Daigneault added. “He entered the game with impressive confidence. He didn’t play until the second quarter but immediately integrated into the match. His professionalism and readiness were commendable, delivering a crucial performance for us.”
Williams, an All-Star who managed to score 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting in the first game, followed with 19 points despite connecting on only 5 of 14 field goal attempts. Nevertheless, he succeeded in making 8 of 9 free throws, exerting formidable pressure on Indiana’s defense.
Holmgren, coming from a modest six-point contribution in the opening game, rebounded with 15 points and six rebounds, shooting 6-for-11. Meanwhile, Caruso, who joined the Thunder in an offseason trade, added 20 points and made 4 of 8 3-pointers.
While the Pacers are aware of Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring capabilities, they recognize the need to thwart the Thunder’s other players heading into Game 3 in Indianapolis.
“Slowing him (Gilgeous-Alexander) down and keeping their role players in check is crucial,” stated Pacers center Myles Turner. “Several of their role players stepped up today. Wiggins had a strong game and Caruso did what he needed to do. Our focus needs to be on containing their supporting cast and making their task much more challenging.”