SGA Ignites Thunder: Oklahoma City Grabs First NBA Finals Win Behind MVP Heroics
The Oklahoma City Thunder are officially in the fight, and their MVP is leading the charge with fire in his eyes and history on his heels.
On a pivotal Sunday night at the Paycom Center, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass performance to lead OKC to their first win of the 2025 NBA Finals, toppling the Indiana Pacers 123-107 in Game 2. It was not just a response — it was a statement.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this win marked a monumental milestone: his first career victory on the NBA Finals stage. And true to form, he didn’t just show up — he showed out.
The reigning NBA MVP torched the Pacers for 34 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds, four steals, and a block. His impact was undeniable on both ends of the floor, elevating his team when they needed it most and showcasing why he’s considered one of the brightest stars of this generation.
Through just two Finals games, SGA has already etched his name in the record books. His 72 points are the most ever scored by a player in their first two NBA Finals appearances — a testament to both his offensive prowess and his readiness for the game’s biggest stage.
Oklahoma City, now tied 1-1 in the series, had no intentions of falling into a two-game hole. After losing the series opener, the Thunder came out with intensity, urgency, and a clear mission: protect home court and reset the tone of the Finals. They did just that.
The Thunder’s supporting cast also stepped up. Chet Holmgren continued to show poise beyond his years, while Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Josh Giddey brought balance to both ends of the court. But make no mistake — this win belonged to Shai.
On the other side, Indiana has some soul-searching to do. Head coach Rick Carlisle, known for his masterful adjustments and tactical mind, now faces a crucial challenge. The Pacers have yet to find a defensive answer for Gilgeous-Alexander, whose ability to control the tempo, create his own shot, and facilitate for others has been a nightmare matchup for Indy’s backcourt.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, where the Pacers will look to capitalize on home court advantage. If there’s any hope for slowing down OKC’s offensive engine, it must begin with Carlisle’s defensive game plan. Still, the Thunder know the stakes — and so does Shai.
“This isn’t about one win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “It’s about building momentum and staying focused. We’re not satisfied yet.”
That mindset is exactly why OKC believes they can bring home the franchise’s second-ever championship.
Game 3 tips off Wednesday night at 8:30 PM ET on ABC, and all eyes will be on Indianapolis as a young Thunder team, led by one of the league’s brightest stars, looks to turn a single win into a series takeover.
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