Challenge James successfully! Mathering scored 27 points and became the biggest successor, and the 4th Thunder went into double-digit numbers but was useless

The Pacers, who returned to home, went all out. Matherin, who once challenged James in his rookie season, became a key figure, scoring 27 points in the game, helping the Pacers reverse and defeated the four Thunder players who scored in double digits. On June 12, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Indiana Pacers 107-116 in a game. Alexander contributed 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, Halliburton gave 22 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists, while Mathering contributed 27 points, 4 rebounds.

Thunder finally showed their true strength in the second game of the finals. A big victory made them regain their confidence. At this time, they will do their best to win against the Pacers away. Alexander, who has recovered his form, will continue to lead the Thunder forward. Pacers and Halliburton need to adjust their strategies to maintain their home advantage. The Pacers have tightly double-teamed Alexander from the beginning, making it difficult for him to play, but the Thunder's offense has not been affected too much. Homegren and Jewy took the lead in the offense and quickly established a 9-point lead. Although Halliburton made a difference with his three-pointer, Homegren's singles helped the Thunder lead the first quarter with an eight-point lead.

If the Pacers want to narrow the gap, they need to find scoring support outside Halliburton. After the start of the second quarter, the Pacers strengthened their pressing and passing and cutting. McConnell made many assists, and Mathering's three-pointer narrowed the gap to 1 point. The Thunder's timeout failed to stop the Pacers' offensive momentum. After McConnell made a foul and made two free throws, the Pacers took the lead by 1 point. Qiao made two three-pointers in a row, but the Pacers were full of fighting spirit. Matherin made both free throws, and then completed 2+1, widening the gap to 5 points. Javier scored consecutive breakthroughs, McConnell scored with a steady free throw, Alexander scored in the inside, McConnell made another move, and at the end of the first half, the Pacers led the Thunder by 4 points.

The change of sides and the Thunder quickly made a 6-0 offensive to overtake the score, and Carlisle called a timeout in time. After the timeout, Jewei scored again, but the Pacers missed repeatedly, creating opportunities for the Thunder. Turner scored, Halliburton continued to perform well, and the Pacers were back in the lead by 4 points. Halliburton found his touch on the offensive end and contributed to the Pacers' counterattack. After a three-pointer, he scored 19 points in this game, exceeding the total of the previous two games. At the same time, Alexander also strengthened his personal offense and scored continuously. Homegren dunked at the basket and got extra free throws, McConnell missed at the basket, Jewe made a three-pointer, and the Thunder led the Pacers by 5 points at the end of the third quarter.

But the Pacers were not willing to be outdone and quickly tied the score after the start of the fourth quarter. Halliburton made the field again, and a three-pointer helped the Pacers lead again. Although he did not score, Halliburton grabbed the frontcourt rebound and committed a foul. After scoring a dunk, the Pacers widened the gap to 7 points. Nesmith's steal was made, Caruso was fouled in the steal, and the Pacers remained ahead. Homegren continued to score, Alexander missed, Siakam scored a counterattack, and the Pacers led the Thunder with 8 points at 1 minute and 09 seconds. Javi scored a free throw, Matherin and Dorte had an argument, and Matherin made both free throws. In the end, the Thunder could not catch up with points, and the Pacers won at home and regained the lead in the finals.