OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder took to the court on Sunday with a renewed determination after a heart-wrenching loss in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Having let a fourth-quarter lead slip away against the Indiana Pacers, the team faced criticisms and analyzed their gameplay closely to bounce back.
Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized improvement rather than drastic changes, saying, “We just needed to play better.” After a stunning 123-107 victory, the Thunder leveled the series at one game apiece. According to Daigneault, the team showed improvements in various areas like execution, pace, and aggressiveness at the basket.
The Thunder demonstrated their resilience, continuing their trend of bouncing back after losses this season, boasting an impressive record of 17-2. After a playoff loss in particular, their average margin of victory has been almost 20 points.
The team’s performance in Game 2 was a reflection of their capabilities. Alex Caruso, a key reserve, highlighted the importance of this game, stating, “Tonight was a better representation of how we play.” Caruso notched 20 points and was a crucial part of the bench’s contribution.
Star players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren raised their game significantly, scoring 34 combined points and playing solid defense. Holmgren was particularly effective in rim protection, while Williams drew critical fouls and distributed five assists, earning praise from Daigneault for his versatility and aggressive play style.
The Thunder’s offensive and defensive strategies dramatically shifted from Game 1. They scored 128.1 points per 100 possessions against a Pacers defense that struggled to keep up. Oklahoma City improved their shooting, especially on 2-pointers, making 56.5% compared to just 41.2% in the previous game. They also significantly increased their assist totals, going from 13 assists in Game 1 to 25 in Game 2, while improving their free-throw shooting efficiency.
Oklahoma City also dominated the rebounding game, turning a deficit into a 43-35 advantage. After allowing easy baskets at the rim in the first game, they tightened their defense and forced the Pacers into low-percentage shots. The Thunder put more pressure on Indiana, especially on their stars like Tyrese Haliburton, holding him to only five points through three quarters.
Daigneault praised his players for their defensive intensity, stating that they kept pressure on the Pacers and limited their easy scoring opportunities. As a result, Indiana found it challenging to establish any rhythm offensively.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to shine, scoring a game-high 34 points and breaking records for a player’s first two Finals games, previously held by Allen Iverson. Unlike the first game, where he faced tougher defense, he found more open opportunities and contributed significantly with eight assists to his teammates.
In describing his success, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized teamwork: “I have no choice but to rely on my teammates. It’s a team effort.” His scoring prowess, combined with four other teammates scoring 15 or more points, made it hard for the Pacers to keep pace.
Players like Aaron Wiggins and K. Williams stepped up, each providing crucial minutes and points. Wiggins scored 18 points, including five 3-pointers. The Thunder’s depth became apparent as they generated a significant lead that the Pacers struggled to cut down.
The energy and focus of the Thunder remained high throughout the game, even during stretches where the Pacers tried to close the gap. When Indiana began to draw fouls early in the second half, the Thunder remained composed, generating quality looks and maintaining their advantage.
As the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 3, both teams recognize the importance of consistency and adaptation. The Thunder are eager to build on their recent performance, having learned valuable lessons from their initial game. Daigneault noted, “We now have more information to apply as we move forward in the series.”
Gilgeous-Alexander encapsulated the team’s refreshed mentality, saying, “You can’t just throw the first punch. You’ve got to throw all the punches, all night.” The Thunder proved they are up for the challenge, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the Finals.
