by Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals had an incredible finish, featuring a huge comeback performance by the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers were down 15 points in the fourth quarter but managed to come back and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 on the road in Oklahoma City. All-star point guard Tyrese Haliburton once again displayed his 2025 playoff magic making a midrange pullup game-winner with 0.3 left in the game. After losing Game 1, all the pressure was on Oklahoma City to get one win at home and tie the series at 1-1. The Thunder were able to accomplish their goal of winning Game 2 behind a huge performance from their three-headed monster of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, who combined for 68 points in the wire-to-wire victory for Oklahoma City, 123-107, at the Paycom Center.
First Quarter:
Both teams struggled to shoot the ball as they both tried to get into a flow offensively. Defensively, OKC brought the intensity from the tip, forcing turnovers and making Indiana have to take many long contested jump shots. Chet Holmgren led the way for the Thunder with nine early points after having a quiet Game 1. The 7-footer showed his versatility as a ball handler finishing in the paint on drives as well as hitting one three-pointer in the quarter. On the contrary, Indiana didn’t have a strong quarter scoring as they only mustered 20 points and shot 7-21 in the period. They were led by guard Andrew Nembhard who had a team-high six points. A low-scoring quarter for both teams saw the Thunder leading after one 26-20.
Second Quarter:
Oklahoma City started to see their offense click as they started off the quarter with a huge 19-2 run fueled by their young star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren pushing their small six point lead to 23. Throughout this run, the Thunder continued to use their length and quickness defensively to make offensive possession challenging for Indiana. The Pacers did get a couple of threes to fall but their only consistent offense came from Pascal Siakam who had nine points at the half. Indiana did respond however with a 10-0 run in the quarter to cut the deficit to 13. Despite the run, OKC continued to lead and carry momentum into the half up 18 points 59-41.
Third Quarter:
The third quarter was a physical period where both teams combined for 28 free throw attempts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 12 points in the quarter including six of his points coming at the line. He was ultra-aggressive on drives and made a handful of deadly midrange buckets as well for OKC. Indiana was led by Myles Turner who got into double-digit scoring for the Pacers with 10 points followed by an aggressive effort by Pascal Siakam who contributed by going 6-6 from the charity stripe in the period. Aaron Nesmith also made a contribution on both ends of the floor hitting three triples in the quarter and playing physical defense on Thunder’s Alex Caruso. Despite Indiana’s best defensive efforts, they still found themselves down 93-74 heading into the fourth as Oklahoma City led by 19 points.
Fourth Quarter:
We did not see a heroic comeback this game by the Indiana Pacers despite their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton dropping 12 in the final period. Both teams were able to clear their benches with about three minutes to go in the game as the Thunder lead became insurmountable. OKC was able to silence the critics after Game 1 by not allowing another double-digit collapse as they went on to win by 16 points 123-107.
Key Performers:
Oklahoma City Thunder: MVP point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 34 points including going 11-12 from the free throw line and contributing 8 assists and 4 steals.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The three-headed monster starters of SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren combined for 68 points including 21-23 from the charity stripe.
Indiana Pacers: All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton finished with a team-high 17 points six assists and a pair of blocks and steals.
Indiana Pacers: Indiana’s whole starting lineup got into double-digit scoring combining for 73 of their total 107 points.
Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith hit a team-high four three-pointers on 50% shooting contributing 14 points.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Guard Aaron Wiggins starred, coming off the bench and scoring five three-pointers shooting 5-8 from the perimeter for 18 points.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso led the Thunder’s bench with 20 points hitting four three-pointers and going 4-4 from the line himself.
Key Stats:
- Tied Score: 1
- Lead Changes: 6
- Biggest Lead: 23 (Oklahoma City)
- Rebounding: 43 – 35 (Oklahoma City)
- Points in the Paint: 42 – 34 (Oklahoma City)
- Fastbreak: 9 – 4 (Indiana)
- FG%: 48.8% – 45.1% (Oklahoma City)
- 3P%: 38.9% – 35.0% (Oklahoma City)
Next Up:
OKC gets the all-important home win after giving up a 15-point comeback in Game 1 tying the series at 1-1 with the series shifting back to Indiana. Game 3 will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, June 11th at 8:30 PM EST.
