For the first time since 2000, the NBA Finals are coming to Indianapolis. The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven series as the games move to Indiana for Game 3.
Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith said the team is thrilled to play at home in front of their fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The city has been waiting 25 years for this moment, and the players are eager to experience the energy of the home crowd.
The Pacers won the opening game and had a strong start to the series but lost Game 2 by a score of 123-107. Oklahoma City’s defense was tough in the second game, limiting Indiana’s points in the paint. Pacers star Pascal Siakam said the team needs to handle the pressure better and stay in control despite the Thunder’s aggressive defense.
Thunder’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been outstanding, averaging 36 points per game in the Finals. He scored 34 points and made 8 assists in Game 2. His total of 72 points in the first two Finals games is the best ever for a player’s debut, beating Allen Iverson’s record of 71 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander said he is just playing his natural game and trying to help his team win. He added that while he’s proud of his scoring, what matters most is winning games. The series is still wide open, and both teams are focused on the next challenge.
