Following a Game 1 deficit in the NBA finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated a strong comeback with a significant 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, but beyond his numbers, he praised a teammate who caught his attention.
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s star line turned headlines, his postgame comments about Chet Holmgren underscore a special bond within the Pacers’ depth. Holmgren improved in Game 2, showing 15 points, six rebounds, and a block. Despite his struggles with six points and six rebounds in Game 1, he responded strongly with a much-needed lift.
“The special thing about Chet is nobody said anything to him,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s such a competitor, and he gets lost in the competition, and I think he’s the best version of himself now,” he continued. “And yeah, you don’t have to worry about Chet. He’s going to be that guy.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s endorsement was explicit. While the series now shifts with momentum on Thunder’s side, all eyes will remain on Holmgren, dominating the court with his controlled pace and confidence. That self-driven mindset may remain exactly what the Thunder need to keep rolling.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Enforced Game 2 Success
Gilgeous-Alexander powered the Thunder with a 123-107 win, evening the NBA finals at 1-1. The 2024-25 Kia MVP grabbed 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and a block in a much-needed performance. His dominance in the pick-and-roll was the key, scoring or assisting directly off the scene for 40 points, the team’s second-highest total of the playoffs, according to Second Spectrum.
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Gilgeous-Alexander exploited matchups, especially when Tyrese Haliburton was the screener’s defender. He used high-ball scenes to pull the pacers’ defense away from the basket, creating easy scoring chances. This often gave the Thunder a four-on-three advantage, making it hard for the Pacers to keep up.
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