Thunder Storm Back: SGAs 34 Points Power Oklahoma City to Finals Tie with Dominant Game 2 Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their remarkable tenacity once more.

Following a gut-wrenching one-point defeat in Game 1, the Thunder made a strong comeback on Sunday evening, topping the Indiana Pacers 123-107 to level the NBA Finals at one game each.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with a spectacular performance, scoring 34 points, which not only brought his seasonal total to 3,000 points but also allowed him to surpass Jalen Brunson as the top scorer in the playoffs.

The Thunder seized control in the second quarter, unleashing a stunning 19-2 run that transformed a close contest into a commanding 23-point lead. Although the Pacers mounted a momentary response with a 10-0 run, they never seriously threatened thereafter. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, Aaron Wiggins added 18, and Chet Holmgren scored 15, showcasing a Thunder team that appeared highly focused from the outset.

On the other hand, the Pacers faced difficulties in maintaining a steady offensive flow. Tyrese Haliburton topped the scoring for Indiana with 17 points, while Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam chipped in with 16 and 15 points, respectively. For the second consecutive game, Indiana could not find a scorer who reached 20 points, a feat that hasn’t occurred in the Finals since the Miami Heat did it in 2013.

This season, the Thunder have an impressive 18-2 record following losses, which includes 12 victories by double digits. Game 3 is set to take place in Indianapolis on Wednesday, marking the first NBA Finals contest held in the city in 25 years.