Pacers vs. Thunder Game 2 Live Coverage
The Athletic provides live updates on the Pacers vs. Thunder Game 2 during the 2025 NBA Finals.
Intense Defensive Strategy
As Tyrese Haliburton executed a finger roll with under five minutes left in Game 1, assistant coach Jenny Boucek urged the Indiana Pacers to intensify their defensive efforts. Andrew Nembhard, already focused on challenging Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was determined to prevent the Thunder’s star player from getting the ball after Haliburton reduced the Pacers’ deficit from 15 to just four points.
Collaborative Defense
The Pacers needed collective involvement. Boucek directed players to secure their defensive assignments. While Nembhard kept circling Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, Myles Turner moved up to apply pressure as well, demonstrating the team’s commitment to aggressive defense even when facing a difficult situation.
Exploiting Opponent Fatigue
The Pacers have implemented what they refer to as the “wear-down effect,” utilizing their depth and speed to keep up relentless pressure throughout the game. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized that each playoff game has a unique character, and the Pacers aim to make it difficult for opponents, especially late in the game.
Utilizing Depth Effectively
While playoff teams usually shorten their rosters, Carlisle has relied on an extensive 11-man rotation, bringing in players like T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin to maintain a high pace and disrupt opponents. McConnell stated that exhausting their competitors increases their chances of success over the full game duration.
Resilience Under Pressure
Even when the Pacers trailed by large margins, their tenacity shone through. In Game 1, despite missing shots, players like Nembhard and Siakam kept their composure and executed the defensive game plan effectively, ensuring that opponents were continually pressured and off-balance.
Overcoming Odds
In a critical moment, with less than 14 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a pivotal shot. Haliburton then secured the ball and sank a game-winning shot, demonstrating the Pacers’ resilience and strategy. As Turner pointed out, maintaining a high intensity throughout the game impacts the opponents, making critical shots more challenging in the final minutes.
