Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets help
in Game 2 as Thunder roll past Pacers to even NBA Finals
[June 09, 2025]
By CLIFF BRUNT
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got some much-needed
assistance from his teammates in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and the
Oklahoma City Thunder evened the series against the Indiana Pacers
with a 123-107 victory on Sunday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points in Game 1, but his supporting
cast couldn't get it going, and Tyrese Haliburton's jumper in the
final second gave the Pacers a 111-110 win.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 34 points and eight assists in Game 2 —
typical production from the league’s MVP and scoring champion.
Co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren played more like their
usual selves on Sunday and ensured the Pacers had no chance to use
their last-second magic. Veteran reserve Alex Caruso had another
strong performance and Aaron Wiggins provided a surprise boost in
Oklahoma City's first Finals win since 2012.
“I thought everyone played better individually, and I thought we
played better collectively,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.
Wiggins, who barely played in Game 1 and scored three points, had 18
in Game 2 and made five 3-pointers. He said the inconsistent minutes
are not ideal, but his goal is to help the team.
“It’s the NBA,” he said. “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.”
His performance was a welcome sight for the Thunder.
[to top of second column] |
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots against
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the first half of
Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 8, 2025, in
Oklahoma City. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP)
“He was massive tonight,” Daigneault said. “Went in
there with great confidence. Didn’t go until the second quarter and
dove right into the game. Great professionalism, great readiness and
a huge performance for us in that situation.”
Williams, an All-Star who scored 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting in
the opener, followed that with 19 points. He didn't shoot all that
well — he made just 5 of 14 field goals, but he made 8 of 9 free
throws and put pressure on Indiana's defense.
Holmgren, who scored just six points in the opener, bounced back
with 15 points and six rebounds on 6-for-11 shooting. Caruso, the
veteran guard who the Thunder picked up in an offseason trade,
scored 20 points and was 4 for 8 on 3-pointers.
The Pacers expect Gilgeous-Alexander to score, but they also know
they need to do better against Oklahoma City's other players in Game
3 in Indianapolis.
“It’s a matter of slowing him (Gilgeous-Alexander) down and limiting
the role players," Pacers center Myles Turner said. “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.”
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
