NBA Finals Game 2 Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

The Oklahoma City Thunder return home for Game 2 of the NBA Finals after a painful 111–110 loss in Game 1. A last-second jumper from Tyrese Haliburton sealed the win for the Indiana Pacers, continuing their fairytale playoff run.

The Thunder had led by nine points late in the game but couldn’t hold off Indiana’s late surge. Key shots from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith helped set up Haliburton’s game-winner—his fourth of this postseason.

Indiana showed again that no lead is safe against them. They have now made double-digit comebacks in multiple games during these playoffs, including their famous rally against the Knicks.

The Pacers also impressed from beyond the arc, hitting 18 of 39 three-pointers, their 10th time shooting over 40% from deep in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant for the Thunder, scoring 38 points, and Luguentz Dort added 15 with five three-pointers. However, the rest of the team struggled from deep, going 3-for-15 from three-point range. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren both had off nights shooting, which cost OKC in the end.

The Thunder also forced 24 turnovers, showing their strength on defence, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the late Pacers comeback.

Now, Oklahoma City must bounce back quickly to avoid going 0–2 down in the series.

Expected Starting Lineups

Indiana Pacers

• PG: Tyrese Haliburton

• SG: Andrew Nembhard

• SF: Aaron Nesmith

• PF: Pascal Siakam

• C: Myles Turner
  Key Bench: Benedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, Thomas Bryant
  Injury Report: No major injuries

Oklahoma City Thunder

• PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

• SG: Luguentz Dort

• SF: Jalen Williams

• PF: Chet Holmgren

• C: Isaiah Hartenstein
  Key Bench: Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins
  Injury Report: No major injuries

What to Expect in Game 2

The Thunder will be desperate to respond after letting Game 1 slip away. They’ll need better shooting from their supporting cast and improved game management in the final minutes.

Indiana will come in full of belief, with momentum on their side and a proven ability to close out games under pressure.

With both teams capable of scoring in bunches and turning games around quickly, Game 2 promises another exciting contest.