THE Oklahoma City Thunder received crucial contributions from their supporting cast in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, enabling them to even the series against the Indiana Pacers with a decisive 123-107 victory on Sunday night (Monday, June 9, 2025, PH time).
The win marked Oklahoma City’s first Finals triumph since 2012, setting the stage for a compelling series.
In Game 1, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points, his teammates struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately leading to Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second jumper sealing a narrow 111-110 win for the Pacers. However, Sunday’s contest saw a different narrative unfold for the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his typical MVP-caliber production with 34 points and eight assists, but it was the renewed energy and efficiency from his co-stars and key reserves that truly made the difference.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren performed closer to their usual high standards, ensuring the Pacers had no opportunity to repeat their last-second heroics. Veteran guard Alex Caruso continued his strong postseason form, and Aaron Wiggins provided an unexpected, yet impactful, boost.
“I thought everyone played better individually, and I thought we played better collectively,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault observed, highlighting the team’s improved cohesion.
Wiggins, who saw minimal action in Game 1 and scored just three points, erupted for 18 points in Game 2, sinking five three-pointers. Despite the inconsistency in his minutes, Wiggins emphasized his commitment to the team’s success.
“It’s the NBA,” he stated. “There’s a lot of highs and lows. There’s a lot of other guys going through similar things and guys who have just kind of earned their rights. Understanding that, I’m still blessed to be in the NBA and do what I love. At this level, you can’t take it for granted. Just continuing to stay ready and take advantage of the opportunities I get.”
Williams, an All-Star who struggled with 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting in the opener, improved his output with 19 points in Game 2.
While his field goal percentage remained modest (5-for-14), his aggression paid off at the free-throw line, where he converted 8 of 9 attempts, consistently pressuring Indiana’s defense.
Holmgren, who had only six points in Game 1, rebounded with 15 points and six rebounds on efficient 6-for-11 shooting. Caruso, the veteran guard acquired in an offseason trade, continued to impress, contributing 20 points on 4-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Pacers anticipate Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring output, but they recognize the critical need to contain Oklahoma City’s supporting cast in Game 3, which shifts to Indianapolis.
“It’s a matter of slowing him (Gilgeous-Alexander) down and limiting the role players,” Pacers center Myles Turner remarked. “A few of their guys stepped up tonight. I think Wiggins had a great game. Caruso, he did what he had to do. So it’s about limiting their role players and making it tougher on them, at least.” / FROM THE WIRES