Thunder storm back vs. Pacers to even NBA Finals

All season, the Thunder responded well to losses. Game 2's 123-107 win brought their record to 17-2 on the season in games following a loss, and 5-0 in the playoffs. After the Pacers took a 20-17 lead late in the opening quarter, the Thunder buckled down and closed the first on a 9-0 run. 10 minutes later, they had a 23-point lead.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took control of the game, scoring 34 points and dishing eight assists, while racking up four steals and a block. He played like a true closer in the third quarter when the Pacers were still trying to claw back into the game, getting to to foul line for six free throws — he made them all, scoring 12 points and getting two steals.

SGA took the wind out of the Pacers' attempted comeback, thanks in part to some big contributions from two bench players. Alex Caruso put up 20 points off the bench and Aaron Wiggins had 18, both shooting 6-of-11 from the field. The Pacers gave up 38 points to Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 1, but limited his teammates' scoring. But when Wiggins and Caruso are combining to shoot 9-of-16 on three-pointers, the Thunder are very tough to stop.

Even with seven Pacers scoring in double figures, the Thunder's supporting cast was superior in Game 2. The OKC bench had 48 points to Indiana's 34. And when the supporting casts are even, it comes down to the stars.

Sunday night, Gilgeous-Alexander was the best star on the floor. His 72 points were the most for any player in their first two NBA Finals games. The Pacers desperately need to limit Gilgeous-Alexander's teammates for the rest of the series, because SGA is looking unstoppable after two games.