Oklahoma City Thunder Even NBA Finals with Pacers in High-Stakes Series

The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers is intensifying, with the series tied 1-1 as it shifts to Indiana. The Thunder's versatile defense, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has posed significant challenges for the Pacers, who have struggled with turnovers and inconsistency, particularly in defending Gilgeous-Alexander. Former NBA champion Iman Shumpert praised the Thunder's aggressive defensive tactics and emphasized the importance of physicality and mental focus in switching defense. Magic Johnson criticized the Pacers for relying too much on half-court basketball and urged Tyrese Haliburton to adopt a more aggressive scoring mindset to combat the Thunder's pressure defense. Analysts Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal also noted the Pacers' lack of energy in Game 2, suggesting they settled for a split rather than pressing for a win. Overall, the Pacers face an uphill battle against a well-rounded and defensively dominant Thunder team that has demonstrated depth and strategic flexibility.