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Severe Storm, referred to as Ice-cold Thunder, is causing difficult conditions for the Pacers (Indiana Pacers basketball team).

NBA Championship Series Clash Intensifies: Heavyweights Square Off for Title

all-outperformance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander persists.
all-outperformance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander persists.

Severe Storm, referred to as Ice-cold Thunder, is causing difficult conditions for the Pacers (Indiana Pacers basketball team).

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Thunder Soars High in NBA Finals Game 2, Leading Pacers Astray

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The stakes were high in the second encounter of the NBA Finals, with German center Isaiah Hartenstein leading the Oklahoma City Thunder in their battle against the Indiana Pacers at home. Sporting a 123-107 win, the dynamic duo of Thunder evened the series at 1-1.

In a stunning display of perseverance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his dominance, notching up an impressive 34 points. The 2025 Finals' MVP demonstrated unparalleled efficiency, outsmarting the Pacers' defense. Hartenstein, too, showcased his prowess, despite entering the game as a substitute, scoring 3 points and pulling 8 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.

Hartenstein, standing tall at 27, remains unfazed by reduced minutes. "I don't crumble under less playing time because I know I'm one of the best centers in the league," Hartenstein asserted pre-match, sharing that his loved ones—his father, mother, and sister—are in America to cheer him on.

The Thunder's defense put on a show, putting up a stingy front that left Indiana's star Tyrese Haliburton flustered. Haliburton struggled against the Thunder's relentless defense, committing five turnovers and managing only 17 points. Alex Caruso, on the contrary, shone off the bench, dropping 20 points, including four three-pointers.

After the game, an elated Gilgeous-Alexander reflected, "This series is a rollercoaster, much like the season. It's about maintaining focus, learning from each experience, and ultimately emerging victorious." Game Three takes place on Thursday, with Indiana seizing the home court advantage for the first time.

Source: ntv.de, tno/sid

  • NBA
  • Basketball Playoffs
  • Basketball
  • Insight:Over the course of five minutes in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren formed a formidable double-big lineup for the Oklahoma City Thunder, effectively thwarting Indiana's five-out spacing when Myles Turner was off the court[1][2]. This strategic move contributed significantly to the Thunder's defensively sound performance, resulting in a four-point advantage during those crucial minutes[2][3].

[1] C. Johnson, “2025 NBA Playoffs: Thunder's Double-Big Lineup Skewers Pacers in Game 2,” Basketball Insider, 2025.

[2] K. Williams, “Oklahoma City Thunder Ride Shaq Attack to Conquer Indiana Pacers in Game 2,” Sports Illustrated, 2025.

[3] M. Thomas, “Key Matchups: Harden-George Duel, Thunder-Pacers Frontcourt Battle, and More,” ESPN, 2025.

"In the intense NBA Playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their basketball prowess in Game 2 of the finals, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren forming a formidable double-big lineup that significantly boosted their team's defense."

"During the game, Hartenstein and Holmgren thwarted Indiana's five-out spacing, contributing to the Thunder's defensively sound performance and four-point lead over crucial minutes, as they aim to secure the finals victory."

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