The stage is set for Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, featuring a thrilling matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Oklahoma City Thunder and Tyrese Haliburton's Indiana Pacers. Tip-off is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at 8:00 PM ET at the Paycom Center, sure to be a nail-biting sequel to their previous encounter.
Indiana continues to write its underdog narrative this postseason with dramatic comeback victories. Down by 15 in the fourth quarter of Game 1, the Pacers pulled off an electrifying 111-110 win with Tyrese Haliburton's clutch shot just before the buzzer—an astonishing fifth game-tying or go-ahead basket in the final seconds of the playoffs.
Reflecting on Indiana's resilience, Haliburton said, “When it gets to 15, you can panic, or you can focus on the small steps.” His recipe for success echoes Indiana's mantra: tackle massive leads one possession at a time.
Despite the final result, Gilgeous-Alexander was a force to be reckoned with, racking up 38 points. “It’s still basketball,” emphasized the league MVP, determined to maintain his composure and style of play regardless of being in the Finals.
This series promises fans a front-row seat to history. The Thunder are gunning for their first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008, their last Finals venture ending abruptly in 2012 against LeBron James’ Miami Heat. Oklahoma’s road to the Finals has been dominant, sweeping past Memphis and overcoming Denver and Minnesota with grit and determination.
As for the Pacers, the quest for their inaugural NBA championship continues. Shedding the ghosts of 2000, when they fell to the Lakers, Indiana has showcased heart this playoff season, dispatching Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York to reach the ultimate stage.
Tune in this Sunday at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and watch as these two titans clash in what promises to be another epic installment in the Thunder vs Pacers saga. Let the battle for basketball glory continue!
