๐ 2025 NBA Finals Game 2 Preview: Pacers vs. Thunder – Can OKC Bounce Back?(youtube.com)
The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered excitement from the outset. In Game 1, the Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 111–110 victory, capped by Tyrese Haliburton's clutch jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining. This marked the Pacers' fourth comeback this postseason where they overcame a 95% or higher win probability for their opponents in the final minutes .(cbssports.com, en.wikipedia.org)
As the series progresses, the Thunder aim to regroup and even the series in Game 2.
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Game 2 Details
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Date & Time: Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET
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Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Broadcast: ABC
๐ Game 1 Recap
The Thunder led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter and held a 96.4% win probability with 2:52 remaining. However, the Pacers executed a remarkable comeback, culminating in Haliburton's game-winner. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 38 points, marking the third-highest total in an NBA Finals debut .(en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)
๐ง Key Storylines for Game 2
1. Thunder's Response:
Oklahoma City, boasting a 68–14 regular-season record, has demonstrated resilience throughout the playoffs. After a similar Game 1 loss to Denver in the Western Conference Semifinals, they responded with a 43-point victory in Game 2. Expect the Thunder to adjust their strategy and come out aggressively to avoid a 0–2 deficit at home.(en.wikipedia.org, cbssports.com)
2. Haliburton's Clutch Performances:
Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a postseason hero, delivering four game-winning shots within the final seconds during these playoffs. His leadership and poise under pressure have been instrumental in the Pacers' success .(talksport.com)
3. Rebounding Battle:
In Game 1, the Pacers outrebounded the Thunder 56–39. Chet Holmgren, who had just six rebounds, will need to assert himself more in the paint to prevent second-chance opportunities for Indiana .(cbssports.com)
๐ Betting Odds & Predictions
Expert Predictions:
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Eric Cohen (CBS Sports): Predicts a Thunder victory with a score of 123–106, covering the spread and going over the total points .
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Computer Model (Fox Sports): Projects a Thunder win at 122–107, also covering the spread and exceeding the over/under .
๐ Player Props to Watch
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Over 30 points; Over 12.5 assists + rebounds
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Tyrese Haliburton: Over 8.5 assists; Under 16.5 points
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Chet Holmgren: Over 8.5 rebounds
๐ฏ Final Thoughts
While the Thunder are favored to win Game 2, the Pacers have consistently defied expectations throughout the playoffs. Their resilience and clutch performances make them a formidable opponent. Game 2 promises to be another thrilling chapter in this exciting NBA Finals series.
For a visual breakdown and further analysis, check out the following video:
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | How will OKC respond?
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