On June 8, 2025, the Indiana Pacers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, following a thrilling 111-110 victory in Game 1, sealed by Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left. Broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, the game sees the Pacers, led by Haliburton, aiming for a 2-0 series lead, a position that historically yields a 93% chance of winning the championship. Meanwhile, the Thunder, driven by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, look to rebound from their home loss in a series that has already captivated fans. With Game 1 drawing 8.91 million viewers, the intense matchup promises to escalate as both teams vie for control.
After their collapse in Game 1, where they squandered a 15-point lead, the Thunder retained Cason Wallace in the starting lineup to bolster perimeter defense against Haliburton. While Game 1’s viewership was the lowest for a Finals opener since 2021, a surge to 11 million during Haliburton’s clutch shot suggests Game 2, on a Sunday night, could see higher numbers. Fan debates over the missing NBA Finals court logo added a sidebar to the narrative, but the focus remains on the tactical showdown between two small-market teams.
- Game 1 highlights:
- Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining.
- Pacers overcame a 15-point deficit at Paycom Center.
- Thunder swapped Isaiah Hartenstein for Cason Wallace in the starting lineup.
- Game 1 attracted 8.91 million viewers, peaking at 11 million.
The emerging rivalry between the Pacers and Thunder, fueled by Haliburton’s heroics, has made this series a must-watch event in the 2025 NBA season.
Haliburton’s star power
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ point guard, emerged as the Finals’ breakout star in Game 1. His clutch shot, paired with his playmaking and court vision, cemented his status as one of the NBA’s rising talents. Arriving at Paycom Center for Game 2 with his Puma Hali 1 signature shoes in hand, Haliburton signaled unshaken confidence after his Game 1 heroics.
In the opener, Haliburton exploited the Thunder’s defense, particularly against Chet Holmgren, who struggled with just six points. His ability to control the game’s tempo and set up teammates like Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam will be pivotal for another upset. The Pacers, with a 12-5 record against the spread in the playoffs, are backed by over 70% of BetMGM bettors as 11.5-point underdogs, largely due to trust in Haliburton’s leadership.
Thunder’s push to bounce back
The Oklahoma City Thunder, stunned by their Game 1 loss after leading by 15 points, face a critical test in Game 2. Retaining Cason Wallace as a starter reflects their focus on neutralizing Haliburton’s perimeter game, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tasked with leading the offense.
Chet Holmgren, who went 2-for-9 from the field in Game 1, must rebound against Myles Turner in the paint. The Thunder’s depth, with contributors like Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort, will be key to pressuring the Pacers on both ends. Historically, teams that tie the series after losing Game 1 at home fare better, but Oklahoma City must overcome the sting of their late-game collapse to avoid a deeper hole.
Perimeter defense takes center stage
The Thunder’s decision to start Cason Wallace over Isaiah Hartenstein in Game 1 aimed to counter the Pacers’ fast-paced, perimeter-heavy attack. Wallace’s defensive tenacity targeted Haliburton, who thrives in transition and three-point shooting.
However, this move left the Thunder smaller in the paint, where Myles Turner capitalized with post-up scoring and mid-range jumpers. In Game 2, Holmgren faces added pressure to contain Turner while contributing offensively.
- Thunder’s tactical adjustments:
- Deploying Cason Wallace to shadow Haliburton on the perimeter.
- Strengthening transition defense to limit Pacers’ fast breaks.
- Urging Holmgren to be more assertive against Turner in the paint.
- Leveraging Gilgeous-Alexander’s isolation scoring against Andrew Nembhard.
The Pacers, meanwhile, will stick to their collaborative offense, relying on three-point shooting and team play to keep the Thunder on their heels.
Series’ appeal to fans
The 2025 NBA Finals, pitting two small-market teams, initially raised concerns about viewership, with Game 1’s 8.91 million viewers marking the lowest for a Finals opener outside pandemic-affected years. Yet, the 11 million tuning in for Haliburton’s game-winner shows the series’ potential to draw crowds as it heats up.
A Sunday night slot for Game 2, unlike Game 1’s Thursday airing, should boost numbers. The prospect of the Pacers taking a 2-0 lead adds intrigue, especially for bettors favoring Indiana’s underdog status. Fans have also voiced frustration over the absence of the classic Finals logo and Larry O’Brien trophy on the court, unchanged since 2014, though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver cited player safety concerns, like court slipperiness, as the reason.
Haliburton’s Puma Hali 1 moment
Tyrese Haliburton’s Puma Hali 1 signature shoes, debuted in Game 1, became a talking point after his game-winning shot. Carrying them visibly into Paycom Center for Game 2, Haliburton turned the sneakers into a symbol of his Finals ascent.
Custom-designed for the Pacers’ star, the Hali 1 reflects his vibrant style and leadership. His deliberate display of the shoes underscores his confidence and growing influence, both on and off the court.
Holmgren’s chance to shine
Chet Holmgren, a cornerstone of the Thunder’s future, had a quiet Game 1, scoring six points with six rebounds in 24 minutes. His struggles against Myles Turner and lack of offensive rhythm raised questions about his readiness for the Finals stage.
Game 2 offers Holmgren a chance to respond, with the Thunder relying on his versatility to balance defense and scoring. His ability to hit outside shots and protect the rim will be critical against the Pacers’ dynamic attack.
Stakes of a 2-0 lead
Teams leading 2-0 in the NBA Finals win the series 93% of the time, a stat that looms large as the Thunder aim to avoid falling behind. For the Pacers, a second road win would be monumental, with road teams taking a 2-0 lead securing the title 84% of the time.
Indiana’s 12-5 playoff record against the spread fuels bettor confidence, even as 11.5-point underdogs. The Pacers’ cohesive play, led by Haliburton, Siakam, and Turner, contrasts with the Thunder’s need for tactical tweaks to regain momentum.
Potential for a long series
The Pacers’ Game 1 upset has shifted expectations, raising the likelihood of a competitive series. Pre-series predictions favored a Thunder rout, but Indiana’s resilience suggests tightly contested games ahead.
Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will amplify the stakes, with the Pacers’ home crowd ready to push their team. The Thunder, meanwhile, need a Game 2 win to restore confidence and avoid a historically daunting deficit.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s defining moment
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s offensive engine, delivered in Game 1 but couldn’t prevent the late collapse. As one of the league’s premier scorers, he faces added pressure in Game 2 to outshine Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers’ defensive standout.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s knack for isolation scoring and playmaking for teammates like Jalen Williams will be crucial. His performance against Nembhard’s defense could dictate whether the Thunder reclaim home-court advantage.
