Thunder Dominate, Tie Series 1-1

Zak Drapeau
Jun 9
3 min read

by Zak Drapeau 6/9/2025 FansOnlySportz

Game 2

After an embarrassing comeback loss in Game 1, the Thunder showed everyone how dominant they can be in Game 2. They went on to defeat the Pacers 123-107 after holding their 16-point lead for the entire 2nd half. The scariest part... the Thunder's play was FAR from perfect.

The Thunder would finish with the advantage in most statistical categories including all shooting stats and most defensive stats as well. They were 2 or 3 shots away from a team shooting line of 50/40/90, led by their star, MVP Point Guard with 34 points.

Shai would again make a living at the Free Throw line where he would make 11 of 12 attempts but would also shoot 10 of 17 while inside the arc for a very respectable pull-up game.

After a back-and-forth 1st quarter that ended with a 6-point Thunder lead, the Thunder would go on a 19-2 run shortly after the 2nd quarter started. This run would see Shai impose his will from mid-range dropping 7 points in less than 2 minutes.

The Thunder would take their 18-point lead into halftime and never look back. The home town crowd were deafening and helped the Thunder keep momentum while stifling any momentum the Pacers would attempt to get on offense.

Thunder Are Still Improving

Even after a 16-point victory last night, the Thunder can still do a lot better. In Game 1, one of the reasons they held a huge lead for most of the game was their possession. In elite fashion, they would only surrender 7 turnovers on Thursday but would double that figure for Game 2. They would also significantly slow their offense and only have 4 fast break points last night. If the Thunder can get back to their fast-paced and strong team basketball, they might win the next 3 games by 16 or more.

Shai Makes History

Shai would be the leading scorer for the 2nd consecutive game with 34 points last night. With his first two NBA Finals games combining for 72 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set the record for the most points in a first two Finals game in NBA history.

Love him or hate him, there's no denying Shai's scoring ability or superstar factor. Without the proper statistical history for free throws, it's impossible to know if Shai's 20 Free Throws were the most in an NBA player's first two NBA Finals games as well, and even though it's likely not, it is definitely up there. Shai's first two games has seen him average 36 points on 49% shooting, 5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.5 steals with only 2 turnovers. This score-line is only a sample size for the Finals series in it's entirety in which both games have taken place in his home arena, however it is still so elite it's worth celebrating.

While Haliburton made all the headlines after his gamer in Game 1, Shai has firmly taken the reins as the clear best player in this series.

Game 3 Predictions

With Game 3 taking place on Wednesday June 11, and starting a 2-game skid in Indiana, the Thunder will look to keep their momentum while the Pacers will look for a home advantage to lead them to a 2-1 series advantage.

The Thunder were definitely the better team for the first two games and if not for a herculean effort from Tyrese Haliburton and companies comeback in Game 1, would have easily been up 2-0 in the series. Will their dominance continue, or will Indiana's home court advantage be the swing the Pacers desperately need.