NBA LIVE! Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers GAME 1 LIVE | June 5, 2025 | 2025 NBA Finals 2K25

NBA LIVE! Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers GAME 1 LIVE | June 5, 2025 | 2025 NBA Finals 2K25

that climax. We’ve been building to this all season. The Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Can’t you Make it really. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. on the board for the Pacers. Obie Toppen out there with Thomas Bryant. Then there’s TJ McConnell. Then it’s Nmith. And it’s Hallebertton in at the shooting guard position. Puts it up. Oh, a little luck that time as it drops. That’s the IQ of Tyrese Hallebertton in pick and roll action. Always understands how to get the defender to bite. All right, let’s get a report from Ally. A bit ago, Mark Dagnel and I were able to chat. He said one person we cannot overlook is Tyrese’s Hallebertton. He said the guy has major impact on the game even when he’s not scoring, which he usually is. He sets the tempo for the team. He can defend, rebound, pass the ball. They’ve got it all, guys. Thanks for that, Ally. Tries the spin move outside. McConnell outside six on the shot clock. This one for three. The rebound by Wiggins. So far, rebounding has been a focal point for them. McConnell against Caruso. Tipped. And here’s McConnell. Back to Nith. Oh, and he got fouled on his way up. He’ll head to the line to shoot two. This is his first opportunity at the line this evening. And he knocks down the first one. And so he hits both. That’s what he does. rock solid at the line. And so it’s Gil just Alexander with it. He brings it up for the Thunder. Three-pointer nails it from beyond the ark. Gil just Alexander’s got 12 points in the game and he’s coming off a huge performance and his confidence couldn’t be any higher and his coach knows that too. Well, the best players to me deliver night after night after night. So, as long as he’s hot, keep riding it. What a performance for Shay Gilis Alexander. He has been the story for Oklahoma City. He made a big impact scoring 12 points in the quarter. We’ll be right back with you shortly. And here we go. The NBA finals continue here on 2K Sports. And from what we’ve seen from Oklahoma City, what’s your take so far? Attacking relentlessly, drawing fouls. They won that first quarter at the strike. They have done a tremendous job of drawing contact and putting officials in a place where they simply have to make the call on the court for the Pacers. TJ McConnell is out there with Hallebertton. Then it’s Obie Toppen. Then it’s Thomas Bryant and it’s knee Smith in at the three. The small forward and he almost made them regret defending him so loosely. Now here’s Halbert. Here’s the screen by Bryant down low. Oh, deflected and a fast break now for the Thunder. Here’s Wiggins. And that one is hammered home. Great teamwork on that drive punctuated by a strong finish going right to the rim which is where you want transition opportunities to end. Hallebertton looking over the floor to the paint. And about a minute gone in the second quarter from about 16, he hits the back iron and sinks it. And now it’s an eight-point Thunder lead. All right. Well, a look at how the hustle game has been going for the Thunder. Well, the effort they’ve shown on defense has been infectious. Everyone on this team continuing to jump at opportunities to come away with steals. The other thing I cannot be more impressed by the defense they’ve shown tonight. Their willingness to close on shooters, blocking shots, playing with great effort. Hallebertton misses. Well, this is the kind of shot we’ve come to expect him to make. He’s got to be upset with that one. Gilis Alexander against McConnell. Fires from 14. And Gil just Alexander missing. I’m sure he’s kicking himself. He hates to blow that kind of opportunity from 13. Pass to Hallebertton. Lets a three fly. Triple Tyrese Hallebertton. Yeah, if you’re going to concede the three-point shot to Tyrese Hallebertton. He knows what a high value shot that is. Gil just Alexander on the wing. He’s marked by McConnell. The 11footer. Indiana with a rebound. And here’s the second quarter of action. Just a hair under two and a half minutes played. Here’s Hallebertton. Doesn’t go that time. Excellent D there from Wiggins. Boy, with his shot not falling right now. It might be time to look in a different direction. See if you can get your teammate started. McConnell against Gilis Alexander. And that’s a foul called on TJ McConnell. That’ll be a second foul of the game. Two fouls already on him. That is not the way to get your minutes per game up. Wiggins passes to Gilas Alexander. Oh, the determination from Gilg Alexander. All game long, he’s been getting to his spots. And the defense has yet to adjust. And it’s Rick Carile calling timeout here. He’s going to gather the troops and talk it over. You have to like what we’re seeing from Shay Gilis Alexander. They need to rethink their approach defensively. He’s shown no signs of stopping. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. And about 3 minutes played now in this second quarter. Bryant the pass to Topphen. Bryant a screen on Gilis Alexander to the middle. McConnell finds Bryant and then Bryant with the dunk. Well, just showing great agility in the pick and roll. Thomas Bryant just being decisive right now. Gilis Alexander surveying the D. SGA using that size. Boy, it seems like every shot he puts up, it’s going in. This guy is hot. Hot. McConnell against Alexander. McConnell outside on the arc. The Thunder with the rebound. And I’m surprised that didn’t go down. I mean, I’m sure he is too. And the shots good by Wiggins. And now it’s a 9-point Oklahoma City lead. That’s been the story of their offense so far. Getting a number of looks from point blank range. Alabbertton outside from downtown and counted now. Four for nine. That’s his second bucket from range this quarter after hitting none in the first. Here’s Gil’s Alexander. So, it’ll be two free throws. He was fouled in the act of shooting. It’s on TJ McConnell. Boy, Shay Gildish Alexander has become the master at drawing fouls. And this will be his third and fourth free throws of the game here. First one falls for him. Hardenstein, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Thor comes in for Joe. Miles Turner, he’s checked in for Indiana. Nimhard comes in for McConnell. That’s also good. So, he hits both free throws. What you love about Shay Gilchris Alexander is this young man’s work ethic. He is a gym rat who is always looking for ways to improve. Here’s Turner. Basket counts. Turner’s got 10. Yeah, there’s no quitting this guy. He just gives you great effort and he continues to give you great production. Gilis Alexander finds Dort on the wing. Caruso knee covering inside. Oh, stolen by Turner. Nimhard right side. Pass to Hallebertton. Back to Nimhard. Now Toppenhen. Nimhard with it. Shot clock at five. Indiana needs to get a shot off. Doppen passes to Nimhard again. The Pacers. Good for two more. I’ll tell you, sometimes it’s easier to hit the target with a bounce pass. That’s perfectly done. Now, here’s Hartinstein and it’s going to be out of bounds. The Thunder will retain possession. You see his active hands knocking that pass out of bounds. Well, that’s what you call a game of inches. They talk about it in football. We see it right there. Homegrren, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Jaylen Williams comes in for Caruso. Seiakum. He’s checked in for Indiana. Benedict Matherin comes in for Nith from deep. Homer rebounded by Hallebertton. Hallebertton’s got four rebounds now. Seakum. Pass to Hallebertton. Pass to Seakkum. He can’t get it to go. Great D that time from Homegrren. Oklahoma City leading by four. Do it outside now. Gilas Alexander. 20 points for him. Homegrren. Easy two for Homegrren. And now almost all their points coming from the paint. Pacers trail by six. And time out here called by Rick Carile. He wants to make sure everybody’s on the same page. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Oklahoma City on D. Their biggest lead of the game was nine. Pass to Matherin. Nimhard outside. And here’s Seakum. Clock at six. Turner. A screen on Homegrrim. And here’s Seakum for threes. Williams grabs the board. Nice rebound. Trying to match the other team’s intensity right now. Outside Maverick and the foul is called. He missed it. So, he’s got a couple of free throws coming his way. And one thing about Matherin, he keeps pressure on that defense. First trip to the free throw line for him in this one. And the first one at the line is good. Boy, when you think about Benedict Matron, this guy is a talented, aggressive scorer. His ceiling very high. He’s going to have to be a little more efficient. Both free throws good from Matherin. And here’s Gilas Alexander. He’ll bring it up for OKC. Four-point game. Homegrren with a screen on Hallebertton outside for Dort. Just five to shoot. Oklahoma City’s got to hurry. They got to get up a shot. Hallebert with a steal. And it’s Shay Gilis Alexander with the rebound. Oklahoma City leading by four. Gets Dor on the wing. Back to Gilis Alexander. Shoots over Hallebertton and good as it takes a nice bounce off the right iron and down. Gilg Alexander’s got 22. Pacers trail by six. Hallebertton the pass to Turner. Got a piece of it. How about that? Shake Gilis Alexander big time defender and sends that one back. For outside, takes it inside and that comes off the assist by Gilas Alexander. Gilis Alexander’s got his fourth assist with that last one. Indiana’s gotten five of 11 threes to drop so far in this game. Hallebertton the pass to Turner and he trains it. A solid five for six now. I’ll tell you, so polished and so confident this close to the cup. Miles Turner doing work. Pass to Homegrren. Here’s Gilas Alexander. Oh, what a pump fake by Shay. Gilas Alexander gets the defender committed and he’ll go to the foul line. And this will be a second trip to the free throw line. That free throw good from Gilg Alexander. Yeah, just knocking down every free throw. I mean, I love to see this kind of efficiency. Some changes for Indiana. N Smith comes in for Matherin and it’s McConnell in for Tyrese Hallebertton. Both free throws good from Gilas Alexander. What’s been amazing to watch is Shay Gildish Alexander going from good player to now putting his name at the very top of the list in terms of great guards in the league. McConnell finds Yakum. No good on the three and they’re doing strong work on the glass. A plus five advantage for them. Here’s Homegrren back to Dort Gilis Alexander up top. He’s marked by McConnell. Gilg Alexander against McConnell and Gil just Alexander missing. Nimhard outside a screen on Homegrren to the inside. It’s tipped and stolen by Hardenstein. Homegrren with it. Seakum covering outside. Gilis Alexander off target. That would have pushed the lead to double digits. Hardenstein against McConnell. Outside Nesmith pass to Turner over Dort. Shot clock at six. That’s short off the rim. Thunder leading by eight. Gil just Alexander on the wing from 13. Yes, on the jumper. Gil just Alexander’s got 26 points. I’ll tell you, this lead’s not going anywhere with this guy making plays. What a quarter. On the wing, Nimhart. Dort defending. Dort with a steal. Pass to Homegrren. Here’s Hardenstein. He’s guarded by Nimhart and it’s going to be out of bounds. The Thunder will retain possession. And we’ve got a timeout called by Mark Dagnel. And we might see some changes. Coach potentially looking to adjust. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Oklahoma City making a switch here. Caruso has checked in. The Pacers also with a sub. Toppins checked in. 107 left in the second quarter. McConnell outside stolen by Caruso. Indiana with a rebound. Nimhard with it. Seven points in the game. A snap to Cold Streak. And he was fouled while in the act of shooting. So he’ll take two free throws. Blue door picks one up. Indiana shooting their fifth and sixth free throws of the game. First free throw is good. Good on both and give them credit for making a more concerted effort to get to the line this quarter. Pass to Homegrren. outside. Williams lays it up and banks it in. Williams has got eight. And he is stronger than he looks. Trust me. I mean, Williams has the bulk to win those tough battles inside. Puts it up from 12. Now to Williams defending passes to Seakum. Six to shoot the three ball. buries it from three. He’s got nine. This is a guy with size and range. You cannot let Pascal Seakum get those kinds of looks from deep. Here’s Homegrren. And so it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder closing out this quarter with a seven-point lead. And they push the tempo in this one. Getting out in transition and making the defense pay. More 2K action in just a moment. To me, it starts with their effort. They have to become more active defensively to prevent easy look. Shaq, yeah, the only way to slow down a team with good scores is to disrupt the got disrupt their rhythm. Otherwise, you can fire up that barbecue. Man, that was 1987 all over again. Looking at this series for the Indiana Pacers, they’ve made it this far. Game one of the NBA Finals. Shaq, how much brighter is the spotlight here in this championship round? It doesn’t get any brighter. Thanks for joining us. Time to head back over to the third quarter with Brian Anderson. And time for us to get back into it here in game one. You know, Shay Gilis Alexander has been exceptional here, guys. I love how effortlessly he scored. The game just comes so easy for him. Yeah, let’s see if he continues that trend the rest of the way. He certainly has the talent and the endurance to do just that. And Gilas Alexander’s got the ball here for OKC. They’ve led by as much as 10. Some serious height in the middle. Homegrren the four. Hardenstein the five. Gilas Alexander runs the point with Gourd at the two. And it’s Williams in at the small forward position. That’s the group from Mark Dagdol starting the second half. So, it’s Oklahoma City now. They lead by seven. Here’s Gil’s Alexander. Well, you love the footwork and the persistence from Tyrese How often defensively. Great pressure. Oh, he took a hard foul on the shot. So, he’ll head to the line to shoot a pair. It’s on Isaiah Hardenstein. The defense there doing whatever they can to protect the rim. Indiana shooting their seventh and eighth attempts at the foul line tonight. And he drops a first. Well, Miles Turner understands how to use his size and length. Doesn’t matter if he’s blocking shots or going for his high release point jump shot. That misses. So, he splits the free throws. When you think about Turner, one of the best shot blockers in the league, who can also score at all three levels, Cartenstein with a screen on Hallebertton. Soft touch off the glass. Gilgis Alexander’s got 28. They just look so overwhelmed inside. That’s why they continue to get attacked. Out of bounds. It’ll go to the Thunder. Thunder leading by eight. About a minute played here in the second half from Deep Homer and that comes off the assist by Gilis Alexander. Gilis Alexander’s got assist number five here tonight outside Maverick. The Thunder pull it in. Gilg Alexander’s got five rebounds tonight. Homegrass to Williams. Hartinstein with a screen on Matherin. Williams in the post. He’s covered by Matherin. Five to shoot. Williams against Matherin. Goes back up and it’s laid up and in by Williams. Williams has got 10 points in the game. You have to credit their effort. I mean, they’ve done an amazing job on the glass. Seakum outside. Turner. A screen on Homegrren. Here’s Seakkum outside for Hallebertton. Nimhart right side. Can they get it? And the shot is good. Drop it in off the front of the rim. He’s got 11. They seem to concede that shot. And his response is, “Thank you very much.” Back to Gilas Alexander. Second shot opportunity. Strong take from Gilis Alexander. Their interior D continues to look shaky. Not a good matchup for them right now. And we’ll have a timeout here. Called by Rick Carile. He wants a few moments to regroup with his players. There’s just a lot of wide open lanes to the rim here. That’ll drive your coach nuts. Well, poor rotations, poor communication. There’s a lot to figure out right now. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Seakkum finds Hallebertton. Now here’s Matherin pass to Nimhart. Six on the shot clock. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City and it didn’t fall, but still a great look. You know, it can be frustrating when you make the right play and fail to reap the rewards. You just have to stay with it here. And that one’s good. Williams has got 12 points. You talk about Williams versatility as a scorer. He can get his points from just about any spot on the floor. Turner. A screen on Williams and a foul called on the way up. So he’ll take two from the free throw line. and he makes a first. One thing you know about Benedict Matan, this guy oozes confidence and he is an impact scorer. Both free throws good from Matherin. Just over three and a half minutes through the third. Here’s Gilis Alexander. 30 points in the game and it’s Homegrren missing. Pacers trail by 13. Pass to Seakum outside. Matherin. Turner. A screen on Williams. Three-pointer. Matherin fires in the triple. Mather’s got five points now in the quarter. Well, the playmaking certainly getting better. Benedict Matan decisive in the screen and roll right there. Here’s Gilas Alexander. SGA just powering through contact and they’ve really managed to dominate inside. And here’s Hallebertton. He’ll bring it up for the Pacers. Seakum outside. Back to Hallebertton. Fires the three. Oklahoma City grabs a miss. Hardenstein’s got four rebounds in the game and right now they’re plus eight in the rebounding category. That’s helping them run away with this. Pass to Homegrren. Gilis Alexander against Hallebertton. Just five on the clock. Seakum pulls down the board. Pacers trail by 12. Limb the pass to Turner. Dorton with a steal and they’re running. Here’s Holren gets rebounded by Indiana. Nimart outside left side. Mather from the elbow. Yep, that one goes. Mather’s got 11 points. And you got to be right up on Maverick, especially when he’s roaming around the mid-range. Count that bucket. And trust me, when the D’s slow to react, he’ll be the first guy to make them pay. And that’s typical of this guy. He’s always reading the situation, reacting quickly, and capitalizing. Turner finds Matherin for three. Crops in the three. Matherin’s got 10 points in just the second half. This defense is getting spaced out. Three of the last five buckets have come from way beyond the arc. Back to Williams. Scored outside. Pass to Gildas Alexander. Five on the clock from deep three-point land. Matherine with a rebound. Well, he had the defense’s attention, dropping two threes in the first half, but he hasn’t made one since. And he’s going to the line for two. The officials saw contact while he was going up. It’s going to be on Jaylen Williams. And such a powerful player, Matherin using that athleticism to draw fouls inside. The first one falls. One thing that’s apparent about Matin is his athleticism. He’s got a good blend of agility and strength, which gives him multiple ways to beat you. Caruso, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Both free throws good from Matherin. So it’s the Thunder now. Seven-point differential outside. Williams pass to Hardenstein. Williams with the screen from deep. Gil Alexander. Indiana with a rebound. Just terrible defense. I don’t know how he missed that shot. And it’s Matan missing. Thunder leading by seven. Gord outside. And here is Williams. Caruso outside. Now here’s Dort. He’s guarded by Nimhart. And here’s Dort. He’s got five. Count it. So Dorch got seven points. Listen, that is all you can do defensively. Dor at times is just going to make tough shots. And a fast break now for the Thunder and slam dunk by Gilas Alexander. This is intelligent basketball. Forcing a turnover and then immediately starting the fast break outside. Maverick shoots over Caruso. Shots good by Matherin. He’s got 18. Well, individually he is doing everything he can in this 12minute session, but he’s just not getting enough help. Gilas Alexander passes to Hardenstein and Hartinstein slams it in. Woo! Defensively, you can’t afford to let him get to the rim that easily. Well, that might be why their deficit is what it is right now. I tell you, you can’t get stops if you’re unwilling to put in the work. Hallebert against Gilgus Alexander. Hallebert misses. Well, that’s just inconsistency from him and has happened all night and it hasn’t helped their cause. Hardenstein passes to Dort. Now here’s Gilis Alexander defended by Hallebertton. Gil just Alexander against Hallebertton and Gil just Alexander missing. Now here’s Hallebertton. 10 points for him. Pass to Matherin. Turner a screen on Caruso. Caruso against Matherin. Another basket. He’s now six for seven in the contest. Hey, he’s doing whatever he can right now to pump up his teammates. And we’ve got a timeout called by Mark Dagnel. Coach wants to speak to his guys, maybe alter some of the game plan. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. So for Oklahoma City, Williams comes in for Harden and it’s Wiggins in for Shay Gilgis Alexander. and Williams has got the ball here for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The biggest lead of the game, 15 points. Pass to Williams. And again, Oklahoma City no good. Pacers trail by nine. Nimhard outside top screen on board. Dimart offline with a three. Boy, a wide open shot from his favorite spot. That is one he’d like to have back outside. Williams shoots over Nesmith. Williams shot is good. Williams has got eight points here in the quarter and the vision is far past his years. Williams with great decision making. McConnell against Caruso. McConnell passes to Yes. And it’s McConnell with the assist that time. McConnell’s got three assists now in this one. Thunder leading by eight. Caruso finds Wiggins. Outside Williams inside. Here’s Wiggins. Powered down after the assist led him to the lane. His playmaking is something to watch. Threading that pass right in there. Caruso against McConnell. Top outside. Nmith fire hires the three. Knocks down the triples. Nmith’s got seven points in the game. Backing up that last three with another three. The defense has to stop giving him so many clean looks. Caruso the pass to Williams with the teardrop. Good. and he’s at eight of 14 now. A solid offensive performance. I’ll tell you this guy is proving to be a problem for the defense in this quarter. He has been special outside. Oh, got a piece of it. He goes up and the finish on the break with the slam. Adding insult to injury with the dunk off the steel. Nice to see a good play on D. That led to some fireworks. Let’s see if that serves as a momentum builder. What a great sequence for this group. McConnell launches a three. Caruso grabs the board. And you have to think that they’re leading this game because of how they’ve controlled the boards tonight. Outside Williams. Wiggins passes to Dort. Outside Williams. Williams with the screen off target with the three. And as we end the third quarter, a doubledigit deficit will make it tough to come back. Oklahoma City ahead, up by 11. And we’ll have the start of the fourth quarter for you as soon as we get back from this short break. Rick Carile had some advice for his team. Let’s hear what he had to say. Hey, it’s all about it’s all about who’s more physical and you got to meet them early in defensive possession. These guys are going to wear down, but we got to make them wear down. And coach Carile imploring his guys to up the aggressiveness on defense. Preaching physicality. When you play for coach Carlile, you got to bring energy. Well, there may not be a lot of drama down the stretch as we head into the fourth quarter, but stranger things have happened. And a look at the five for the Pacers to start the fourth quarter. Thomas Bryant out there with Obie Toppen. Then there’s Tyrese Hallebertton. Then there’s TJ McConnell. And it’s Nesmith in at the three spot. Garuso pass to Wiggins. Here’s Joe. Oh, nice D from Kneesmith. Pacers trail by 11. Here’s Hallebertton. And so he draws the foul headed to the line to shoot a pair. Two things you love here. How confident Hallebertton is offensively. The second is not afraid to take punishment while he’s shooting the basketball. And now we’ll get a perspective here on how the hustle game has been going for the Thunder. Well, their D has been a major story tonight. I mean, those steals and putting pressure on the ball, clogging the passing lanes, impressive, but they’ve also been scoring on the break with how difficult it is to get buckets in the half court. Anytime you can push the ball in transition for easy ones, that’s big time. Yeah, it’s hard to argue against Hallebertton as the best passer in the league right now. I know he’s the most exciting for sure. That one’s no good. A superb scorer and a talented distributor. Tyrese Haverton is exactly the type of point guard every team would love to have. Wiggins looking around pass to Gilas Alexander. Great touch from deep Gilg Alexander and just totally relentless only increasing the intensicity level. One thing I enjoy is watching players who don’t pay attention to the score. You lock in on the moment and play the right way. Drains the triple. His first triple of the second half. That makes three for the game. Thunder leading by 10. Gilas Alexander. Passes to Joe. Back to Williams. Pass to Gilas Alexander. launches it and another three for Oklahoma City. He’s hit four now from behind the arc. Two in each half making an impact. Now here’s Hallebertton covered by Joe. Hallebertton outside and that one goes in as he’s fouled. It’ll be three points if he converts the free throw. moving along. Two minutes gone in the fourth. Kil just Alexander against McConnell. Baseline try. Gil just Alexander no good. Pacers trail by 10. Bryant outside. Pass to Hallebertton. Let it fly off the mark. Had a chance there to trim it to single digits. And Gilis Alexander’s got the ball here for Oklahoma City. The biggest lead of the game. 15 points. Williams. A screen on Hallebertton. Back to Gilis Alexander over McConnell. Gilis Alexander. No good. The Pacers have gotten half of their attempts to fall in the fourth. Two for four now. Paul finds Tooffen on the wing. Try back to Nith. Pass to down to five on the shot clock. McConnell with it. Oh, they get a hand on it. Oh, it’s stolen by Gilas Alexander. That one no good. Oh, nice D from N Smith. Pacers trail by 10. Takes the three. Knocked loose and they get it back. Hallebertton right side. Clock at four. Oh, taking the contact. Hallebertton. Fourth quarter of play and over three and a half minutes have gone by now. Caruso outside. Oh, sweet move. And the basket is good. He has a lot of tools in the toolkit. That right there was just one of them. Now here’s Hallebertton covered by Joe. And there’s a whistle that’ll belong to Shay Gilis Alexander. That’s his first foul. And there’s just one foul now away from the penalt. He’s checked in for Joe Nimhart. He’s checked in for Indiana. Now Hallebertton and Indiana misses again and the defense got away with one there. I mean that’s a shot he typically makes. Here’s Gilas Alexander and he gets it to go off the front iron. Gilis Alexander’s got 42 in the game. Hallebertton against Gilis Alexander outside puts up a three. That’s good. And Hallebertton gets the assist. Hallebertton’s got his fifth assist in this one. Hallebertton against Gilas Alexander. And he got the whistle on the way up. So he’ll be headed to the line for a pair. It goes on Obi-Wan. Let’s remember Sha Elvis Alexander is 6 foot6 so getting on the interior is not a problem. The first free throw is good. on the miss. Both free throws good from Gilis Alexander. Pacers trail by 11. Nimhard outside. Toppin outside the three. Another three for Indiana. They’re getting torched on the perimeter. Four of the last five buckets have been threes. Here’s Gilas Alexander and he gets it to go. Hitting off the back of the rim. Gilas Alexander’s got 46. This guy has been unstoppable. It has not mattered at all what the defense throws at him. He’s had an answer. They get it again. Pass to Bryant over Williams and Bryant the bucket on the assist by Hallebertton. Everyone knows Thomas Bryant is elite finishing the basketball in the painted area. But now get to that mid-range game. Thomas Bryant, nicely done. Back to Wiggins and the lead increases on a crazy offensive sequence. Man, the dunk alone would have been incredible. Let alone the fact that it came off a 10-point pass. Here’s Hallebertton. Here he goes. Oh, it’s blocked by Gil just Alexander. And so the ball out of bounds. Gilas Alexander touched it last and that shot was going nowhere thanks to that aggressive swap. You know that block has him and his teammates all pumped up. That is what playoff basketball is all about. So for Oklahoma City, Hardenstein, he’s checked in for Williams and it’s Jaylen Williams in for Wiggins. Miles Turner, he’s checked in for Indiana. Pascal Seakkum comes in for Tophen. Seakum outside. Turner a screen on Williams down low. Turner no good. Thunder leading by 10. Oh, swiped away. Nmith shot is off. And so it’s Caruso who brings up the ball for OKC. The biggest lead of the game, 15 points for Indiana. They’ve gone just six of 14 in this final quarter. Nimart outside with a screen on Williams. Shot clock at six. Here’s Hallebertton. Some solid defense from Williams. I don’t know if he’s tired or what, but he is definitely holding back a little bit and he has to step his game up right now. Outside Gilgis Alexander and he’ll draw the foul. He’ll head to the line for two. Well, the tremendous length of the guard spot that Shay Gildas Alexander presents is a problem for a lot of defensive players. and he makes a first. Chad Holgren, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. The Pacers also with a sub. Mather’s checked in for Nmith. Both free throws good from Gilis Alexander. And man, looking good from the line so far this half. Pacers trail by 12. Allebertton outside to the middle. Seakum. That’s good. Well, this to me is where he can be a force. Seakum a three-level score in the painted area. Very dangerous. Outside Williams. Back to Gilas Alexander. Another one goes. Incredible. My goodness. 50 for the game. Just putting on a show. Nhard outside. Turner. A screen on Gordon. Nimhard. The pass to Turner. Second chance effort. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Pass to Gilis Alexander. Thor to screen on Hallebertton. Pulls it in from the elbow. Oh, connects again. And what a night he’s had. That score now ties him for the single game playoff high for his team. He’s been nothing short of amazing tonight. A legendary playoff performance for us. Here’s Matherin. Hardenstein pulls it in. Hardenstein’s got six rebounds now in the game. Williams against Matherin. Williams passes to Hartinstein. Unloads. Gilis Alexander. No good. Pacers trail by 14. Right side. Valerin. Seakum. Pass to Hallebertton and Indiana misses again. I think he’s gone completely dry. Nothing is hitting. And this is where you hope that he can find something easy so he can see the ball go through the net. Homegrren against Seakum. Pass to Gildas Alexander and another one. He’s on a tear offensively lighting up the scoreboard with a purpose. And how about this? He now holds the team single game record for postseason scoring. And it’s Rick Carile calling timeout here. Coach clearly has something he wants to say to his team right now. Heat up here. Yeah. Heat. And now let’s take a look at the New Balance player of the game, Shay Gilgis Alexander. Yeah, and this game really has his fingerprints all over it. He’s been dominating and making it look effortless. It’s always fun to watch someone just flat out take over like he’s done here today. I mean, he’s the reason they’re off to such a great start in this series. From the jump, he was fired up and ready to fight hard for the win. And here’s Hallebertton. He’ll bring it up for the Indiana Pacers. They trail by 16. Hook loose. And a fast break now for the Thunder. And that one’s good. Gilis Alexander. Gilis Alexander’s got 56 in the game. Indiana has gone three of six from downtown so far in the fourth. Turner passes to Demar. Gordon with a steal. Pass to Gilgous Alexander. He takes it in. The pressure that Shay Gildas Alexander can put on a defense with his ability to drive. That quickness just a problem for defenders. He misses the free throw. and he sinks the second. Pacers trail by 19. Hallebertton the pass to Seakkum. Back to Hallebertton over Dort. Hallebertton good. Hallebertton’s got 11 in the second half. Thunder leading by 17 outside. Williams back to Gilis Alexander. Lets a floater go. Rejected by Hallebertton. Oh my goodness. Tyrese Hallebertton twice on the pipe. Send it back defensively. And as the clock winds down, it’ll be interesting to see how both teams adjust in game two. But confidence building indeed for the Thunder. They paid the price for sloppy ball control before, but tonight they kept it locked up tight. Yeah, they did. And at the other end, they were very destructive defensively. and they’re off to a strong start in these NBA finals going up 10. They really sent a clear message tonight that they intend to win this series. They played with real determination out there and you just hope they can maintain this energy level. And one player just stole the show tonight doing everything for his team. A monster night for Shay Gilis Alexander. Boy, I think he made his presence felt in the paint more than anywhere else. This guy’s rebounding numbers were outstanding. He controlled the glass. And a new group getting ready for Oklahoma City. Williams has checked in for Hartinstein. Wiggins comes in for Chad Homegrren. Caruso, he’s checked in for Williams. And Joe’s subbed in for Dort. So Indiana going with an almost entire new group here. Bryant, he’s checked in for Turner. Toppen comes in for Seakum. Nesmith, he’s checked in for Matherin. And it’s McConnell in for Hallebertton. 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter. McConnell against Gilg Alexander and good. There’s another. And he now owns third place for most points in a playoff game. Oh, just an incredible game. Nothing can slow him down. Only Elgen Baylor and Michael Jordan ahead of him. I mean, how much further can he go about 3 seconds between the shot clock and the game clock Alexander against M. Good. He hits again and he’s tied second all time in scoring for a playoff game. Yes, just a miraculous offensive display. this crowd on the edge of their seats. I mean, he’s matched Elgen Baylor and with Jordan’s all-time record just two points away. And so, Oklahoma City takes this one and by a big margin. And it always takes a lot of pressure off a team when they get the win in game one. It’s the most important game of the series. They’ve shown they know how to beat this team. The formula’s in place. Now they just have to stick with it for the next few games. So that’s a wrap for the first game of the NBA finals. For Doris Burke, Alli Leforce, and Grant Hill, and our entire crew, this is Brian Anderson thanking you for tuning in. And we present the player of the game, Sheay Gilis Alexander. And the Pacers start off with the ball in the series everyone has been waiting for. The NBA finals are now underway. Let’s check out Indiana’s starting lineup. Seiaken is the four and he’ll be next to Turner at the five. The perimeter pairing with Nemard and Matarina and it’s Hallebertton in at the point and they call the foul. So he’s got the and one chance here to make it a three-point play. It sends Pascal Siaka to the free throw line. That one on Williams. A big man who can score rebound and pass. This is why Siakum has become a huge piece of this team. Now here’s Gilg Alexander. Here’s Nehard down low and he drops in the layup off the glass. Seakum’s got five now. With a harmonious blend of length and strength, Seakum has become a dependable interior scoring option. Artinstein against Turner. Here’s Gilis Alexander. The rebound by Turner. Man, I can’t believe he blew that gimme, guys. Well, I know he’s frustrated about that. Pass to Nemo. That’s good. Hallebertton with the assist. Hallebertton has such a really good feel for the game. He knows exactly how to get his guys to step up. And a wide open look for Gilas Alexander. And nothing is falling for him right now. Hallebertton against Gilg Alexander. And it’s Turner finishing it off. Really seizing the momentum of this game, but doing it with a methodical approach. And you know that involves pounding it inside, getting as many points as you can right at the rim. That demoralizes a team. And Mark Dagno calls timeout. He wants to talk to his guys. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Mattherin against Williams over Matin. Williams and that is the struggle. You can feel the tensions in the building with each miss. Oh man, this thing was turning into a soccer game. A lot of action and not many points. Here’s Hallebertton following the score by Oklahoma City. Turner with a screen on Gilis Alexander. Hallebertton no good. The Thunder have gone one or three for the field to start this one so far. Gilas Alexander can’t get it to go. Remard finds Yakambertton against Gil Alexander. Minim for three. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Homegrren in the post. Defended by Mattherin. Homegrren. The pass to Dort to the inside. Here’s Williams. A good finish at the rack. Off the slick feed. Williams has got his second bucket of the game to go. Hallebertton against Gilis Alexander. Hallebertton no good. Thunder trailing by six. And with an update from the sidelines. Let’s check in with David Alder. Thanks very much. I did catch up with the Thunder head coach. I asked him about the challenge of facing Miles Turner. He said this guy is a problem for our offense. Miles is an incredible shot blocker. You have to know where he is on the floor at all times. Now, we don’t normally hear a coach talk about somebody’s defense first, but Turner is that guy, fellas. Okay, David. Thanks. And here is Gilis Alexander after Tyrese Hallebertton was able to get the triple. Homer sets the screen for Dort. Puts the move on. The put back controls the rebound and puts it back up and in. Tremendous hustle working hard for that bucket. Pacers leading by five. Hallebertton passes to Nemo. Hallebertton screen on Dor. Here’s Nemo. And a lot of contact on that one. So he’ll shoot two here. That one on George. This is his first trip to the line tonight. No good on the free throw. and he’s good on the second. Thunder trailing by six and Mark Dagno calls timeout here. He wants to regroup and go over the strategy. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. to the paint. Here’s Gilg Alexander. That shot off. Excellent defense there from Hallebertton. And this quarter he has clearly been off the marker. Six on the shot clock. Excellent D there from Williams and not allowing the shooter even an inch of breathing room on that one. And guys, that’s exactly the kind of high impact defense they want to see out of him. And Matan has got the ball here for the Indiana Bases. Six-point lead. Seakum outside. Out to Turner from downtown. It’s rebounded by Hartinstein. I’m shocked that didn’t turn into three points. I mean, he makes you pay on those nearly every time. And it’s good for two. And it’s six points for Lou Dort. I like when Dort seeks out his offense using that athleticism well there on the drive. And that’s a foul called on Shay Gilis Alexander. That’s his first foul. And now only one away from being in the penalty. Yep. The next one puts them on the line. So they’ve got to be careful the rest of the way. Seakum for three. Hits the three-point bomb. Seakum’s got eight points. Yeah, you got to get out on that. Seakkum demonstrating that ability to hurt you from beyond. Hartinstein finds Williams. Hardenstein with a screen on Matarin. Four on the shot clock. The offensive rebound. Another shot. Gilg Alexander. Good. Well, we’ve seen that movie a few times, haven’t we? An easy bucket in the paint. Well, listless and lifeless at the defensive end. I mean, especially inside, they’ve really got to pick up that interior defense. Yeah. And here’s Siako. Eight points for him. Turner with a screen on Hendren. Here’s Siaka. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Boy, that is awesome defense, guys, against a capable finisher. Well done. I’m sure the coaches love that. Homer again. Here’s Williams. Well timed pass and he goes straight to the bucket for the layup. And that’s now six points here for Jaylen Williams. Seakum outside. Back to Hallebertton. Count it. His second make in four attempts. Now that was nasty. Absolutely nasty. Hallebertton looking like a street baller with that kind of dribble move. Major handles. Now here’s Gojis Alexander. Hardenstein with a screen on Hallebertton. Turner with the steel and up the court come the Pacers. On the break and the shot goes in and it’s a seven-point Pacer lead. And he’s starting to show that killer instinct this quarter looking to extend the lead outside. Dors Williams looking over the floor. Hardenstein with a screen on Nathan. Williams and the dunk by Hardenstein. Strong move to the 10 trying to get his guys going. Hard not to get motivated GA right when your teammate makes that kind of play. And you know, when you’re looking to close the gap, you need guys who will take it upon themselves to step up, take the initiative and make something happen. And so here is Indiana following the score by Oklahoma City with a screen on George. Here’s Me and foul on the shot. So he’ll get a chance at the line. And a look now at how the offensive approach has been going here so far for the Pacers. You know, right from the start, it seemed they got hot from three-point range, pulling apart the defense and racking up the points, too. And I’ve really liked how they’ve moved the ball tonight because of this selfless approach. They are piling up the assists. A free throw good from Nemhar. And a new group in here for the Thunder Williams. He’s checked in for Hartinstein. Wiggins comes in for Homegrren. Isaiah Joe. He’s checked in for Dor. And it’s Alex Caruso in for Gilgis Alexander. The Pacers also changing it up. Obby Toppins checked in for Miles Turner. He Smith comes in for Benedict Mattherin. And it’s TJ McConnell in for Hallebertton. And both free throws good for Nemhawk. Thunder trailing by seven. Outside Williams. Sweet move and the call on the shot that sends him to the line. It goes on Aaron Nesmith. Yeah, way to play in attack mode and get to the line. And you know, the defense gets their money’s worth on that foul, stopping the layup and not giving up the and one. First free throw is good. And Indiana making a change here. Shepard’s checked in. And both free throws good for Williams. There’s got 10. Caruso grabs the miss. Well, you have to like their work on the boards, Kevin, particularly here to start the game. Yeah, I like the way they’re setting the tone. really playing with a lot of energy here at the start. It It really does make the game easy for your teammates when you can lead them to the rim that well with the pass. Pass to knee strike with the ball. He’s guarded by Williams. Just five to shoot. Sheepard the pass to Cho Pointer. That one’s in. his first shot this game. Well, making threes is vital for Tophen developing his stretch big skill. Now, here’s Williams knees covering, takes the 13-footer. They get it back and it’s in there. Well, I love the way he goes after it there. I mean, you’ve got to respect that. He’s rewarded for his efforts of pursuing the ball. Caruso against McConnell. Toppin sends a screen for McConnell. Toppin kicks to McConnell. No one near Shepard as he lets it go. That’s good. And it’s McConnell with the assist. and they don’t want to get in a habit of giving him open looks from three. First quarter still, but not who you want to leave open. Now here’s Caruso still yet to score. Back to Wiggins outside. Williams. This one for three. The Pacers pull it in. Not quite enough defense that time around. just lucky he was off. Capital Street on Williams score the bucket. He’s made five so far, shooting a very clean five of seven. Boy, what a quarter for him. I mean, he’s found his rhythm and he’s really riding that wave right now. Now, here’s Wiggins, the three. And Williams gets it to go on the assist by Wiggins. Williams has got 13 points. I tell you what, guys, there’s not much more he can do. I mean, he’s been on fire. Yet, they still trail in this game. Back to Tophin and stolen by Wiggins. And now a fast break for the Thunder. Shots good by Williams. And now it’s just a four-point pacer lead. Yeah, he’s owning them on the offensive end, but you know, he can’t do it by himself. Toppin sets a screen for Siaka. Wiggins with some nice deep. Oklahoma City’s gone one of three from beyond the arc so far in the game. Punch, counter punch. Impressive offensive production early on. Hey guys, this is going to be fun now. I mean, we’ve got ourselves a shootout on tap here. Now, here is Shianko. 12 points for him. and he uses the glass on the layup. 14 points for him. And wiry strong Seakum just snakes inside and makes a nice play off the contact. Very dangerous to leave a guy like that open. Lucky break there for the D. Knee Smith. The pass to McConnell and that one clearly a foul. Gets the whistle and two shots coming up. Pasers have shot 80% from the line tonight. Going four or five so far. First one falls for. So both teams changing it up here. Second free throw no good. Pastel Sakum getting it done for Indiana. He totaled 14 points in the quarter. He’s giving them all the offense they need right now. And we’ve got more M2K Sports coming your way after this break. And we’re ready to get back into the action here in game one. Let’s see what this quarter has in store for us. Let’s quickly break down the game we’ve seen from the Pacers so far. Guys, coming in hot. They were sharp from the perimeter right out of the gate. Well, the player and ball movement has been excellent finding space, operating in space, and when they’ve gotten open shots, they’ve knocked them down. Thunder trailing by five. Alex Caruso out there with Wiggins. Then it’s Williams. Then there’s Shane Gilis Alexander. And it’s Joe in at the two guard spot. It’s the lineup in the game for Oklahoma City. Now here’s McConnell after the miss from Shay Gilis Alexander. McConnell passes to Bryant from outside off the mark. And so it’s Wiggins with it. He’ll bring it up for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And here’s Gilis Alexander outside that balls. Nice feed that time from Wiggins. Wiggins has got three assists tonight. Now Lebertton deciding where to go with it. Good T by Williams. Oklahoma City shooting has just been outstanding tonight. 56% as a team in this game. And able to get himself to the line. SGA so crafty inside there to get the contact. The Thunder shooting their third and fourth free throw attempts of the game. That’s good from Gilas Alexander. Nearly automatic. Gilgis Alexander. No slouch from the line. And it’s tied up with that one. Already a very confident player. Knocking down those free throws only fuels that. McConnell against Gilas Alexander. Hallebertton passes to Choppin. Knocks down the three ball. Toppins got his second bucket of the night. Toppen has become a good jump shooter who understands floor spacing. To the middle. Here’s Joe. And a great assist by Gilis Alexander as that one goes in. Gilis Alexander’s got three assists in the game. Now here’s McCuff outside Ryan. Second quarter of basketball just over a minute and a half play. Indiana moving Alexander with the steal. Hallebertton against Caruso. Back to Gildas Alexander. Fires the three. hands it from downtown. Gilis Alexander’s got 10 points in the game. After having none in the first, he gets two three-point shots to go here. Pass to knee Smith screen on Caruso. Here’s Nesmith and Knee Smith with the slam. And then the young fella busts out the slick move inside to get open for the jam. Greg, that was sick and slick. The D had no chance. Yeah, he was one step ahead of him the entire way. And passing has made this guy next level. That’s the element that has changed Gil just Alexander King. McConnell passes Denise Smith and he’s going up for the alley. Just fine on the clock. Indiana again turning it over. Oklahoma City has gone three of five from beyond the arc so far tonight. Gil just Alexander kicks to Williams. Pass to Joe over Hallebertton and the shot is good. Dropping in off the front of the rim. Joe’s got the lead up to four now for Oklahoma City. Indiana’s gone one or two on three-pointers here in the second quarter. Allebertton outside for three. Wiggins with the rebound. And got to like what they’ve been doing down low in the post. I certainly do. You know, I like to see guys do their work inside. Their rebounding has been excellent, and that’s always important in a close game. Here’s Hallebertton. Wiggins with the rebound. Feels to me like this team is going to need more from him, guys. I mean, if they’re to erase this deficit, he’s got to step up. Kill Alexander can’t get it to go. Pacers trail by four. Now here’s McConnell inside. Here’s Toppin. Good. And McConnell gets the assist. Toppin’s got his third bucket of the night. That’s where Toppen does most of his damage and he’s incredibly efficient down there. Here’s Gilz Alexander and he could not get that one to go. Lot of contact and he’ll go to the line for two. It goes on Aaron Nith. and a moment to look at the scoring approach in terms of where the points are coming from for the Thunder. Straight away they they’ve opened things up offensively with skillful passing, running smart plays, and just setting guys up for success. You know, another thing they’ve done really well, I think, is get quality shots from behind the three-point line and knock them down, too. That free throw no good. and didn’t have a single free throw in that first quarter, but he started to play with a little bit more of an edge to his game here in the second. Hartinstein’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Dort comes in for Isaiah Joe. Indiana also making some changes. Turner’s checked in for Thomas Bryce and Andrew Nehard’s subbed in for TJ McConnell. Yeah, a nice job of drawing the contact and creating opportunities at the line. My kind of hoops. Straight ahead playing downhill and physical. Now here is Hallebertton. Laid in with a nice touch off the glass. Hallebertton’s got seven points in the game. That shot by Hallebertton. Not easy. Taking the hit and still finishing the play. Pass to Hartenstein. wants to get it over to Dort and does count it and the Thunder lead by three. And guys, they continue to put a lot of pressure on the interior defenders with their work down low. Albert on here’s Nemo defended by Gordon. Neard with it. He’s got six from outside the arm. D grabs the miss. Dor’s got four rebounds in this game. Over to the left wing. Here’s Caruso. Two free throws coming up and they call the shooting foul. It goes on Aaron Nesmith. The Thunder have shot five of six at the foul line tonight. And the first one at the line is good. And team wide, they’ve been terrific from the line here. Just one of those nights when the confidence has spread from one player to the next. Chad Homegrren, he’s checked in for Wiggins. Indiana also making some changes. Pascal Seakum comes in for Top It. And it’s Benedict Matan in for Nith. And that’s good as he hits both of his shots. And here’s Hallebertton. He’ll bring it up for the Indiana Pacers. It’s a five-point game. Here’s Meard defended by Dort. And there’s the call on Lou George. And that’ll be his third foul so far. And that’s the tough part of trying to keep him on the floor. Now he picks up that third foul. Williams. He’s checked in for Oklahoma City. And so it’s Rick Carile here calling timeout. He wants to make some adjustments to the game plan clearly. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. pass to Turner. It’s deflected over Hartstein and good as it just snugs right down through the net. Hey, Turner’s not just an interior scorer. This guy has a jumper that’s really reliable. So, you got to honor and respect his shot. Gil Alexander with it. Mattherin picks him up. And the dunk by Kil Alexander. Oh. Oh, inflicting some punishment with the two-hand flush. Ah, they’re going for the throat. Now’s the time to do it. Keep attacking that bridge. Now, here’s Seako. He’s got 14. And I love the way he uses his size there to make sure he gets that board. Homegrren up top outside. Williams. Five to shoot. Lets the three fly. Pascal Seakum grabs the miss. Close. Nathan against Homegrren. Pass to Seakum. Allebertton outside and it’s off from three-point range. Boy, this is um bad. Tough to watch. I mean, this is really bad. He’s stone cold this point, man. Caruso finds Gildis Alexander to the inside. Here’s Hartinstein and the dunk by Hartinstein. Gilous Alexander is so dangerous in these pick and roll sets. Pacers trail by seven. Pass to Nemo. Albert in a screen on Gilis Alexander. Now Homegrren still without a basket. Outside Williams back to Gilis Alexander. Shot clock at five to the pay. The kick out to Williams. Hallebertton with the steel. Caruso with the steel. And the Thunder pushing it up now. Here’s Williams. that counts. He’s put up 13 shots and he’s had eight of those go in. Assists like that have typified their effort today. Terrific ball movement. Really a fine example of the difference in how these teams have operated offensively. Much more individual play at the other end. And so it’s Rick Carw here calling timeout, looking for a breather and maybe just one or two things to talk about. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. And the Thunder making a switch here. Walls has checked in. And Indiana with a change here too. TJ McConnell. He’s checked in for Hallebertton. Atheran passes to McConnell. Seiakum with it down low. Turner. That’s good. And he’s now three for four from the field. This is all you can do. I mean, Turner’s height, length, skill level, and he’s got confidence now. That all allows him to score under pressure. Hartinstein against Turner. Homegrren with a screen on Matan and stolen by McConnell. And he drives in. Yes, that goes in. And now just a fivepoint Thunder lead. And if you’re the guy who has to guard him, it is never going to be an easy night for you. Pass to Homer. Caruso kicks to Williams. Hardenstein with a screen on Matan. Williams shot is off and Matan has got the ball here for Indiana. Now here’s McC shoots over Caruso and no good. Trying to use the glass and being that close to the hoop. I thought he had enough room to finish that one. Homegrren the pass to Wallace. And here is Homegrren. Good on the triple. Homegrren’s got himself on the board with three there. And they’re right around 50% for the game on their threes. And they’ve only gotten better as the game’s gone on. Turner with a screen for Yakob. Lays it up and banks it in. And Kevin, they started the game shooting it so well. I’m surprised they haven’t continued. They’ve got to get back to their strength. Yeah. I mean, test the hot hand. You’re exactly right. I say let those triples fly. This shooting has been outstanding. Definitely one of the reasons they’re up in this game. Home run again. Piako to the middle. Wants to get it to Turner and does and it’s slammed in by Turner. What athleticism from Turner. My goodness. He loves getting chances to throw it down like that. Caruso the pass to Williams. Hartenstein with the screen on Matin. Hartstein can’t get it to go. Pacers trail by six. Bianca right side. Turner with a screen on HR and contact on the shot. So, he’ll be shooting free throws here. I’m just so impressed with Seakum’s offensive improvement over the years. I mean, he’s mastering the ability to play in attack mode. And these are his second and third free throws tonight. And that one misses. Mitchell. He’s checked in for Case Wallace. And the Pacers also making a change. Knee Smith has checked in. And the second free throw. Good. And here is Caruso. Mitchell outside. Caruso sets the screen for Mitchell. outside. Williams down to five on the shot clock. Drops it in from 11 ft. Williams has got six in the quarter. And obviously his momentum from the last game has carried over here tonight. And you know that’s how it goes with him. I mean his hot streaks guys don’t last minutes, they last days. against Mitchell to Nehard Turner with the screen. Here’s Nehard defended by Coruso and the shot is good. They should continue to get the ball inside. The defense struggling to contain them. And when you make five in a row in close like that, it also takes pressure off your perimeter guys, too. Caruso looking for an opening. Hartinstein passes to Mitchell. Here’s Homegrren. And oh, he hits the buzzer. Peter, one eye on the rim, one eye on the clock. Nice job. What was really impressive there though, guys, was that he could have rushed it and panicked and yet he kept this cool and splashed it. The clock runs out and we’re heading to halftime. It’s the Thunder. They lead by seven. And for 2K Sports, we’ll be back here at Pecom Center right after this. They’re moving at a high speed. When they get in space, they really push the pace. Makes them hard to keep up with. Yeah. Several times the defense couldn’t get back. That created all sorts of mismatches. Looking at this series for the Indiana Pacers, they’ve made it this far. Game one of the NBA Finals. Shaq, how much brighter is the spotlight here in this championship round? It doesn’t get any brighter. And that’s all for us. Now, it’s time to send it back to Kevin Haron for the beginning of the third quarter. And we’re back with you as these two teams do battle in their quest for an NBA championship. One of the stories here, Jaylen Williams getting it done today. He’s done a fantastic job of finding open space to operate with within the first few quarters. And you know what? It helped that they had a few guys with very hot hands on the perimeter, too. Here’s Gilis Alexander. Here’s who Rick Carno will start the second half with the perimeter pairing with Nemhard and Matarin. Seakim is the four and he’ll be next to Turner at the five and it’s Hallebertton in at the one spot. Dort passes to Williams. Hardenstein with a screen on Matan. Williams can’t hit. Pacers trail by seven. Hallebertton right side. Mataran against Williams to the inside and Turner throws it down. And nice read for Matan. He’s always trying to get his teammates going. The Thunder leading by five. Gild Alexander passes to Harton Shot. And for those of you turning in, we’re about a minute into the second half. It’s stolen by Matan over Williams. Turner passes to Matan. It’s Ken Homegrren with the rebound. Homegrren’s got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight. Williams with a clean look. The Pacers pull it in. Well, they’ll be happy with that look even though it didn’t fall. You know what? That’s a confidence shaker for him though. I mean, that’s a shot he expects to make every time. Williams against Matan driving to the basket. Count the basket. Matan’s got his first basket of the night. Yeah, three consecutive field goals have come right at the rim. The D had better start buckling now. Gilg Alexander finds Hardenstein. Two points. That one goes. How about the floor awareness by Gilas Alexander? solid at just spotting his opening team outside. Matarin takes the three. That’s good. And it’s Hallebertton with the assist. Hallebertton’s got four assists in the game. The Thunder with the lead. Pass to Hartinstein on the wing. Williams. It’s stolen by Matan. Albertton outside. can’t tie it up as that one misses. Oklahoma City has won four of eight tonight from three-point land, shooting 50% on the three ball here. Home bring the pass to Gilgish Alexander. The Pacers pull it in. Turner’s got his seventh rebound of the game with that last one. Far from an ideal start here. I mean, this half just one for four so far. Williams up on top. Defended by Matarin. Seakum against Williams. Seakkum up top. 17 points in the game. Hallebertton with the bucket. And there’s a pattern starting to take shape here. They’re working it inside and getting good shots from close range. Well, I agree with you. Four of their last five baskets have been exactly of that variety. Now here’s George Alexander. 13 points in the game and the dunk by Hartenstein. Those plays can make a difference in a game like this. Well, you know it’s going to fire up Greg. Everybody on that bench making a statement for sure. I mean, we’ll see if they can maintain that aggressive approach, guys. And so it’s Rick Carile here calling timeout. And coach has decided they need a moment to talk things over. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. And so it’s Hallebertton who brings up the ball for the Indiana Pacers. Just four points. That’s all they’ve given up here in the second half. Mattherin against Williams. Turner with a screen on Dors. He takes it in. A shot by Nhard. No good. Thunder have gone two of five shooting here in the third quarter. Williams passes to Gil Alexander. Homerren sets the screen for Gil Alexander and the dunk by Homer. I mean sneaky when he moves around the floor. takes you out of the play fast and just rolls to the here is Hbert points in the game so far. Rebound by Williams. Hardenstein with a screen on Hallebertton. There’s Williams with the three. Trains it from beyond the arc. Williams has got 26 points. A total defensive collapse. I mean, no reason to allow him that kind of space from behind the arc. And looks like the illegal kick was set. Yep, that’s right there. It’ll get their attention beyond the leaning. You could see his feet weren’t set on that screen. Easy call. Yeah, I agree. You know, sometimes that can be a tough call for the refs to make, but not that time. It was easy there. Dort finds Gildas Alexander and he gets the whistle. Two free throws coming up. And Gilas Alexander understands how to draw contact especially when he’s looking to score. And guys, what do you think about the offensive approach we’ve seen so far for Oklahoma City? They bullied the defense here in the paint. Look at all of those buckets inside. Just hard to defend in the paint. And the thing I’ve seen that I’ve really been impressed by is they’ve gotten everybody involved unselfishly making that extra pass, getting that ball to the right guy at the right time for the good shot. And he makes the first and good on the second. So he makes them both. Pacers trail by nine. Pass to Nemhar. Gilg’s Alexander against Hallebertton. Hooked away. Threeon three. Here’s Gil Alexander. And Gilas Alexander throws it down. Yeah, letting it rip. They’re just having fun right now. Yeah, offensively they’ve just been rolling. Impossible to stop. And Rick Cornile decides to call timeout. He wants some here to get things straightened out with this team. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Alex Caruso who’s checked in for the thunder. Nmith, he’s checked in for the pace on defense. Oklahoma City. Seakum outside. Pass to Hallebertton. Shoots over Gilus Alagen. And with that, the Thunder lead has got down to nine in the bucket from Hallebertton. And it’s Oklahoma City’s ball. They’re on an 11-2 run. Now Hart and Shine. Here’s Caruso. Gets it to go from beyond the arc. Caruso’s got the lead up to 12 now for the Thunder. Indiana has gotten a positive outcome on seven of their 14 three-pointers in this game. Bad at all. Turner kicks to Hallebertton pass. Denise Smith. That’s good. And it’s Hallebertton with the assist. Hallebertton’s got five assists in the game. Outside Williams. go. Here’s Gilg Alexander and the layup falls. Gilas Alexander’s got six points in the quarter and now you see them starting to really work the ball inside. Outside turn and the Thunder pushing it up now. Here’s Caruso. My huge slam. The perfect end of the fast break. Hey, whatever adjustments they made at halftime, they are working to perfection. You know, they came out of the locker room revved up the gas pedal and haven’t slowed down yet. Hallebertton against Gilis Alexander. Fires from the line, lands soft on the front of the rim and drops. Hallebertton’s got 13. Seems like he can’t miss right now, guys. I mean, completely in the zone this quarter. Pass to Hartenstein. Now here’s Peruso outside Dort. Here’s Kiljis Alexander. Oh, good with the triple. But still eventually you got to feel like he’ll start knocking those down again. Hallebertton passes to Nemo Seakum for three. Thunder with the rebound. It’s a plus five advantage for them in rebounding after that one. They get it again. Williams. And that’ll be two free throws coming up. Officials on the call with the foul. The Thunder have gone nine of 10 from the line, so making the most of their chances. That one is off. miss and he sinks the second. And so it’s Hallebertton who brings up the ball for Indiana down by 12. Turner with a screen for Hallebertton. And it’s Turner finishing it off. I tell you what, his vertical is awesome. Off the charts. A short center who still makes his presence felt outside. Dort pass to Williams. Dort with a screen for Williams. Whistle blows. Basket is good. So a here for a three-point play. Big miscommunication on defense. He recognizes it and quickly takes advantage. Boy, the defense looks shell shocked. I mean, they’re on the ropes right now on their heels. For Oklahoma City, they have been getting it done at the line. 10 for 12. Catching up on the changes for Oklahoma City. Williams, he’s checked in for Hartinstein. And Wiggins is subbed in for Gilas Alexander. Toppin, he’s checked in for Indiana. TJ McConno comes in for Hallebertton. And here are the Pacers now. It’s a 13-point game. There’s Seakum. He’s got 17. Driving inside and he’s fouled pretty hard on that shot, but he’s got the chance to pick up the points at the line. The insane athleticism of Seakum excels at probing inside and making the D get aggressive. Three trips to the line so far for him in this one. And he knocks down the first one. He’s perfect from the line this time. Here’s Caruso. He’s got nine. to the paint. He’s looking for Williams and finds him. Just Mr. Reliable again here today, Kevin. I mean, they need his points and he’s producing. Okonnell passes Denise Smith down low. Here’s Toppin and he gets the whistle for the 3second call. and just a little too lax with that possession and it cost him. And I tell you what, more brain neutral plays like that one and they’ll have a hole deeper than the one they’re already in. And the Thunder making a change here. Joe’s checked in. The Thunder leading by 13. Caruso. The pass to Wiggins. Joe with it. Latay balls. Nice feed that time from Wiggins. Joe’s not set. Unwilling to let up even for a moment. That’s his killer instinct. Just fanning the flame. Yeah, I love the fact he doesn’t play the score. He just keeps coming attack mode. He doesn’t know how to step off the gas. Now over here is Seakos. He’s got 19. Six to shoot. Here’s McConnell. And once again off the mark by Indiana. They have been board dominant in this game. That’s definitely been a factor in crafting this huge lead and it’s been a well-rounded performance. I mean strong rebounding has certainly been at been at the at the center of it but it’s been good on a number of levels. Pacers trail by 16. Pass to Siakum. A minute 42 left to play in the third. Basket number eight is all good. He’s attempted 12 shots. It’s important that Seakum plays with confidence from there. I mean, when he does, the results are often like that one. Shooting foul as the whistle blows. He’ll shoot two free throws. And this is his second trip to the line tonight. He misses the free throw. Shepard’s checked in for the Pacers. on the miss. On the miss good on the second free throw. 127 left to play here in the third. Topin sets a screen for Seiakum over Williams. Seakum’s shot is off and so it’s Wiggins with it. He’ll bring it up for the Thunder. Pass to Williams. Back to Joe over Shepard. Joe good. Joe’s got five points now in the quarter. Well, I think he shot the ball well, guys, but I don’t think he shot it enough. The more shots he gets from here on out, the more they’ll stretch out this lead. Now, here is Siako. One points in the game. Pass. Denise Smith. Basket is good. He’ll get a chance for one more at the line. They just aren’t attacking from the perimeter like they did in that first half. And I think that’s part of the problem right now. And this is his first trip to the line tonight. 43 seconds left in the third quarter. Now here’s Williams. He’s got 32. Up top Joe and he gets the bucket. Joe’s got 11 points. Well, check out that assist. That’s a pair of teammates that are clearly on the same page. Seakum up top. He’s started by Williams. Oh, he’s going up for the alley here and stolen by Wiggins and two free throws coming up. Unable to get that one to go with all the contact. It’s going to be on Siak. It’s his first trip to the line. on the miss. The first one falls. And both free throws good for Wiggins. McConnell with it. Two on the clock. It doesn’t go for him. And as we end the third quarter, a double digit deficit will make it tough to come back. Thunder lead by 18. And we’ll return shortly. And let’s listen to head coach Rick Carile review the game plan with his guys. Hey. Hey. It’s all about physical. It’s all about physical. Make sure we’re running back. Touch somebody. Touch somebody. Pleading for his team, Greg, to be more physical and aggressive. Something we hear often from coach Carlile urging his team to play tough and physical. And with the fourth quarter upon us, time is running out for this game to become competitive. Gilis Alexander out there with Isaiah Jones. Then it’s Wiggins. Then it’s Williams. And it’s Caruso in at the small forward. That’s the lineup out there for the Thunder. That’s good from Hallebert. And even though they’re down, they are putting on a show at the free throw line. Yeah, they’re making the most of their opportunities at the stripe and they’ll need to keep it up to take the lead. Hallebertton hits them both. You love the seemingly endless energy that Hallebertton gives his team. Always pushing himself to deliver his best effort on every play every day. Joe with it. He’s covered by Hallebertton. Now Gilgus Alexander and here is Newmith and stolen by Wiggins. Here’s Caruso trying to find Gilgish Alexander. Gets it to him. Yep, that one goes in there. Gil Alexander’s got 21. And this is SBA’s role. He’s out here to score and score often finds Hallebertton. contact on the shot and now a three-point play chance as he’ll head to the line. And they’re forcing the ball inside and it’s working like a charm. That’s good from Hallebertton. Seems like Hallebertton is always looking to do a little more. Always making the extra effort. That’s fairly rare. Williams, a screen on McConnell inside. And it’s Williams with the jam. and really just led him to his sweet spot for that finish. Pacers trail by 17. Allebertton outside, buries it down low. 20 points for him. A terrific effort from Hallebertton so far offensively. He’s not holding anything back on that end of the floor. Outside Williams. It’s stolen by Bryant. And that’s a foul called on Shane Gilas. That’ll be his second foul of the game. And it’s really struggling here with the foul. Still early. And just one more will put them over the limit. Glad we got the chance to see that remarkable rejection. Well, they didn’t make it this far by giving up easy ones. And now their defense is in overdrive. Now here’s McConnell. Bryan finds Toppin. Now Kneesmith McConnell scanning the floor. Five on the clock to the middle. Here’s Bryant and finished off by Bryant. And really just unselfish basketball on the interior. That’s the kind of pass a coach loves to see. Joe passes to Williams. Back to Joe. from eight and he gets that one to go off the front iron. Gil Alexander’s got 23. That’s their third straight make off an assist. And the call is going to be Yes. Yes, it is. An illegal screen. It’s really been a tale of two halves, hasn’t it, guys? As far as taking care of the basketball. immaculate at halftime, but he’s had too many miscues here in the second half. And the Thunder making a change here. Dors checked in. Andrew Neards checked in for Indiana. Wiggins a screen on Hellbertton down low and foul on the shot. He’ll shoot two at the free throw line. It’s going to be on Obie Toen. And he can’t get the first one. He hits the second from the line. Pacers trail by 16. Neard with it. Watch it. Pass to now Nemhard. Bryant a screen on George. Nehard the pass to Bryant. Takes it into the teeth of the knee and converts the layup. Bryant’s got four points now in the quarter. They’re scoring boatloads of buckets. It’s raining buckets from inside. Well, the defensive rotations have been a step slow and it’s really helped them get that ball inside time after time. Now, here’s Gilas Alexander and out of bounds as the Pacers gain possession. A bit under three and a half minutes have passed here in the fourth. Pass Denise Smith. Tapping a screen on Coruso to the paint and stolen by Wiggins. Here he goes. It’s rebounded by N Smith. Pacers trail by 14. Here’s Neard. The Burton outside. Bryant with a screen on Gilis Alexander. Gilg Alexander against Alberta. Boy, and that is a bunch of rebounds for a player who’s not the biggest guy out there. Wiggins kicks to Caruso on the wing. Williams fires from deep and the rebound goes to the Pacers. Hallebertton’s got six rebounds here tonight. Driving the lane. Tapman against Coruso floats one. Caruso grabs the miss. Cariso’s got his fifth rebound in this one. And it’s going to be out of bounds. The Pacers will take it. Pacers trail by 14. Now here is Hallebert to the inside. He’s looking for Bryant and finds him pass to Nemo. Shot clock at six. Bryant a screen on Dor and once again off the mark by Indiana. The Thunder leading by 14. Inside there’s Williams and it’s Williams finishing it off. My goodness, he is such a great dunker. Bringing a high riser. No doubt about it. Nothing surprising about that, guys. We’ve come to expect plays like that from him. And still, they never get old. And that one good. Like the way Hallebertton continues to take more responsibility on the offensive end. His game Warren said he does that. Caruso sets the screen for Gilg Alexander. Dort left side. Pass to Gilis Alexander. Ryan against Williams. Goes back up. Shooting foul as the whistle blows. He’ll shoot two free throws. Oh, the officials are all over that one. Clearly a foul. I mean, didn’t give him any choice but to blow the whistle. I mean, you got to play without fouling. Got to get it. Let’s get it. Good. Good. The first free throw is good and the Thunder with some changes. Hartinstein comes in for Aaron Wiggins and it’s Williams in for Alex Caruso. Indiana also making some changes. Miles Turner, he’s checked in for Thomas Bryce and it’s Pascal Siaka in for Topin. He hits both from the strike. And so it’s Hallebertton who brings up the ball for Indiana. Seakum outside. Good D by Williams and a big lead for them on both the scoreboard and the back door thus far. Yeah, rebounding has been a big key in this one. They’ve asserted their will and have taken control on the glass. Now here’s Nmith after the miss from Shay Gilis Alexander. Kneesmith with the ball working on Williams. Kneesmith the pass to Seakum from deep. A nice shot by N Smith and plays with solid floor recognition. Seakum continues to fine-tune those playmaking skills. Oklahoma City leading by 13. And here is Julius Alexander. banked in off the glass. Gil Alexander’s got 12 points here in the second half. With great positional size, Yjis Alexander can finish over defenders. Turner against Hartinstein. Head to Hallebertton. Seakum left side and the shot goes down. Seakum’s got 23. Boy, he’s doing everything he can at this point. The rest of his teammates need to step up and give him some help. Hallebertton against Gilgus Alexander. Two free throws coming up and they call the shooting foul. No question he got bumped on that shot. Yeah, the officials didn’t need to talk that one over. It was obvious. That’s good from Gilgis Alexander Homer. He’s checked in for Williams. The Pacers also with a sub. Benedict Matan, he’s checked in for Aaron Nesmith. And that one goes in. Two from the line that time. Pacers trail by 15 on the wing. Mathin. And the foul called on Jaylen Williams. And that’ll be his third foul so far. Goes up to the stripe and he sinks that one. Hitting the back of the rim on the way in. Hallebertton’s got 11 points in the quarter. Here’s Gilis Alexander. And that’ll be two free throws coming up. Officials on the call with the foul. Let’s get it. And the first one drops. Both good from the line that time. Pacers trail by 15. Neard with it. Here’s Hallebertton. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Hartinstein’s got his fifth rebound in this one. Homegrren kicks to Williams outside. Kiljis Alexander and the dunk by Gilg Alexander. Oh, how about the slam there from Gilas Alexander. He loves getting that type of positioning down low. Back to Hallebertton. Pass to Turner. And here is Siaka. Turner with a screen on Homegrren. and he gets it to go. Hitting off the back of the rim. Seakum’s got four points in the quarter. An extra element to Seakkum’s game. He can really handle the ball and even initiate offense outside. Dort Williams kicks to Homegrren. The three-pointer no good. And here’s Allebertton. He’ll bring it up for the basics. And the call on the shot that sends him to the line. That one on Gilg Alexander. Throw good. Seakum. Seiakum hits them both. The Thunder leading by 13. Pass to Williams. Homerren sets the screen for Gilg Alexander. and Hungren the bucket on the assist from Gilis Alexander and that’s now nine points for Chad Hungren. Pacers trail by 15 outside Matarin Captain Emhard got a piece of it. Just five on the clock. From deep three-point land, it’s Ken Homer with the rebound. Homer’s got his sixth rebound on the night. Gildus Alexander passes to Williams outside Dort. Here’s Hartenstein. And there’s another one for the Thunder. relentless in their approach, even with the game firmly in hand. And you know, until that final buzzer sounds, I mean, you got to treat every possession like it’s crucial. And they’ve won the rebound battle so far, and it’s translated to the scoreboard. Well, the effort level they’ve had has been outstanding. Hard to keep a team down when they play with that much energy. Oh, and here comes Matin all alone. And guys, you can go ahead and put game one in the record books. exactly how they wanted to kick off this series against a tremendous opponent. Big win for the Thunder. It didn’t look like a game that was going to work out for them, but man, how things changed in a hurry. Man, I’d say it was gutsy, Kevin, in terms of what they were able to do in that comeback. An incredible amount of fortitude when facing all of that adversity. And not just to come back, but how about to come back and win going away? They couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NBA finals. Once they close this one out, they’ll be sitting on a pretty good two nothing series lead. Yeah, and obviously that’s the perfect position to be in. They don’t need to do anything differently in the next couple of games. If they just continue to play their brand of basketball and don’t get distracted, they’ll be lifting that trophy in a few days. And one of the league’s top talents game in and game out and doing it here again in this one. A terrific night for Jaylen Williams. Boy, this game really had his name all over it. I mean, he relished being the guy to carry the load offensively. Joe Good. And the assist goes to Mitchell. Joe’s got 10 points here in the second half. That one’s going to be the final dagger. And these guys can now celebrate and they deserve it. They deserve to celebrate a dominant performance in what’s going to be a blowout win. And Toppin throws it down. There’s 48 seconds left in the game. Now Caruso. Joe finds Caruso. Pocket six. There’s the triple. And again, Oklahoma City with the triple. And credit the whole team. It was a focused concerted effort to put this one away. Yeah, what a time to put the hammer down. Any hope of a comeback? Diminished. Kappa screen on Mitchell. 3 seconds. Separate the shot clock and game plan. on the wing. Matan covered by Joe. So, no problem for Oklahoma City as they get the win. A pretty good feeling right now for them to be out in front like this in the series. You know, Kevin, momentum so so critical, and you know, they’ll want to ride this wave into game two. So, that’s a wrap for the first game of the NBA Finals for Greg Anthony, Clark Kellogg, and David Aldridge. This is Kevin Harland saying thanks for watching. But first, let’s reveal our player of the game, Jaylen Williams. You look at the paceers. A whole year of blood, sweat, and tears comes down to this. This is when the lights are their brightest. BA, the eyes of the whole world fixed upon you. Do you have what it takes to win it all? A look at Indiana’s starting group. Hallebertton Nhard the one on the two. Seakum at power forward with Turner in its center and it’s Matherin in at the three. So it’s Oklahoma City now after the basket by Indiana on the other end. Killed just Alexander from outside. Mather with a rebound and here’s Matherin. He’ll bring it up for Indiana. Hallebertton outside. Three-pointer off the mark. Pass to Gilis Alexander. See Hawkam with a defensive effort. Now the Pacers with it and the foul on Tyrese Hallebertton. That’s his first foul of the game. And great job to establish position and square up. And now we go to Alli Leforce who had a chance to talk with Mark Dagno. I asked coach what his plan was for trying to slow down Pascal Seakum and he said to make him into a jump shooter. He does the most damage around the rim so we want to force him out on the perimeter whenever possible. It’s not an easy task by any means. We’ll see if they’re able to do this. Back to you guys. All right. Appreciate it, Ally. Just two to shoot. Another miss by Gilas Alexander. Hazard against Williams. Howard passes to Demar to the paint. Seakum against Homegrren. Seakum. No good. Well, a lot of players in the league are going to make that shot and for him it’s pretty much automatic. It’s a good defensive effort to prevent the layup. Williams shot is good. And off the schneide here, one of five, but that’s a big one. The Pacers have gone one for three so far. Hallebert against Gil Alexander. Seak on the screen. Mather finds the bottom from 13 ft out. And you got to be right up on Matherin, especially when he’s roaming around the mid-range. Pass to Homegrren. Back to Gilgis Alexander. Homegrren with a screen on Hallebertton. Gilis Alexander passes to Homegrren. Seakum pulls down the board. The Pacers have gone just two for four from the floor. Matherin. Oh, and there’s the whistle on the shot. So, two free throws for him coming in. And one thing about Matherin, he keeps pressure on that defense. Indiana shooting their first free throws of the game. No good on that one. And one thing Benedict Matherin has no shortage of is raw athleticism. Now it’s just a question of him honing that physical ability to be an effective prolevel player. He hits the second from the line. One thing that’s apparent about Matin is his athleticism. He’s got a good blend of agility and strength, which gives him multiple ways to beat you. Now, here’s Dor. Pass to Homegrren. Back to Dor and a foul called on the way up. So, he’ll take two from the free throw line. That one on Nimhart. And that’s just Dort being D tort. I mean, the guy plays so physical and bullies his way inside. Oklahoma City shooting their first free throws of the night. That’s good from Dort. Lugans Dort continues to find ways to impress you and expand his offensive game, but he knows he’s coming to the league as a defender and he takes a tremendous amount of pride in it and he makes both free throws. One of the things that I think opponents struggle with is Lugan’s Dort and his build. You rarely see a combination of a guy that might not be that tall but has that kind of width and explosiveness athletically. Three-pointer Mins. That’s good. And Hallebertton gets the assist. Mather’s got six points. He’s consistent from out there, especially when you give him that kind of room. First quarter of action, just under three and a half minutes played. Thor finds Gilas Alexander and the layup is good. Gorgeous Alexander. Fantastic concentration. Indiana leading. Bianca outside. Turner screen on Homegrren. Bianca for three. Hartinstein pulls it in. Oklahoma City has gone 0 for two from outside. Now here’s Williams. Pass to Hardenstein. Oh, it’s stolen by Seakum. And they’re on the run. that shot off. He’s got to take a back seat right now. When you’re ice cold, you can’t just keep gunning. Homegrren drives in. Pandler unable to get the time bucket there. They’ll have a hard time shaking that one off. Perfect position, plenty of space. Just clank it. Wow. Always fun to see point guards who can elevate above the rim like that. Oh, a strong mindset and even stronger finish. Well, just seeking out weaknesses in the defense and then exploiting it. And Mark Dagnel has called a timeout. He wants to give him a breather and talk things over. Thunder trail by four. Pass to Hartinstein. Now here’s Williams. It’s stolen in transition. Here come the Pacers. And he got the whistle on the way up. So he’ll be headed to the line for a pair. And such a powerful player. Mathering using that athleticism to draw fouls inside. Indiana shooting their third and fourth free throw shots of the night. and he drops a first. Caruso, he’s checked in for Williams. Both free throws good from Mather. Gilg Alexander with the ball. Puts it up from 12. The rebound by Turner. How many shots has he missed this quarter? Might be time to find offense elsewhere. Hallebert’s outside. Seakova with a screen on Gilis Alexander. Here’s Hallebertton. Hey, hangs it midair and converts the double clutch layup. Hallebertton’s got his second basket of the game. Thunder trail by eight. Now Gilis Alexander and he gets it to go now. Two of six in the game. And he’s got the ability to do damage inside and out. SGA’s not going to miss that. Pass to Turner. Back to Hallebertton. The shot no good. Good work defensively by Gilas Alexander. It’s Homegrren high post. Back to Dort. The ball’s knocked loose in transition. Here come the Pacers and the dunk by Hallebertton. An excellent awareness and effort. Hallebertton getting involved and finishing that time on the break. Gilis Alexander. Passes to Dort. Hallebert against Gilis Alexander. Right at the free throw line connects. The jumper drops. Gil Alexander’s got six. Yeah, here’s a list of things I don’t want to do. And right at the top is guard that guy. Pass to Matherin. And here’s Seakum. And here’s Turner. Just five on the clock. Indiana needs to get a shot off. Three-pointer. Hallebertton. And he finishes. That makes him four out of five. He’s firing on all cylinders. has to be happy with his four of five shooting from the field so far. Do it outside back to Caruso and it’s rejected. Yeah, a long and lanky guard at 67. Matherin can be a problem defender in this league. Hardenstein passes to Dort. Fade away and Gilg Alexander gets it to go on the assist from Dort. Indiana leading by seven. Seakum outside. Nimart outside. Pass to Hallebertton. Takes a three and again it’s the Pacers from deep. Only one miss in his first six shots. He’s definitely brought his agame. And Mark Dagnel has called a timeout. He wants to review the game plan. McConnell. He’s checked in for Indiana. And here’s Gilas Alexander. He’ll bring it up for the Thunder. Trailing by 10. Hardenstein against Turner. Here’s Caruso. Over to the left wing. The three from Homegrren. Indiana with a rebound. Given his range, you’d expect him to capitalize on that opening. Out of bounds. It’ll be Oklahoma City’s ball. Just a superb read on defense to come up with a block. Yeah, this is the elevated energy level you expect in the postseason. Chasing down blocks and making an impact. Here’s Gilas Alexander. Give him eight points now. Hartinstein with a screen on McConnell. Kill Alexander. Passes to Dor. Now Hartinstein. Turner covers. Four on the clock. Hartenstein. No good. Indiana leading by 10. outside seak outside from behind the ark. Dor grabs the miss and he just hasn’t been able to get it going this period. No, I haven’t seen him in comfortable spots or at least spots we’ve seen in this offensive set that are allowing him to settle in. The Pacers have gone eight for 14 from the floor. Nimart outside on the wing. Maverick Turner screen on Gilas Alexander. at six. McConnell good. So far, they’re owning both ends of the floor. We’ll see if they can keep this going like tonight that all the hustle plays have meant so much to this team. Now just sustain some of that energy and keep comfortable. Here’s Gilas Alexander back to the basket by Indiana on the other end. Dort finds Caruso. Homegrren with a screen on Matherin inside. And that one’s good. Homegrren. Homer’s got his second basket of the night. Soft defense. I mean, they’ve given up 10 of the last 12 points inside. There’s a screen by Turner. Here’s Seakum. That’s tipped and it goes out of bounds. Last touch by Hartenstein. A different look for Oklahoma City. Williams has checked in for Hartinstein. Wiggins comes in for Homegrren. And Isaiah Joe subbed in for Dort. McConnell passes to Nmith. There’s a screen by Toppenhen. Shot clock at six on the take. Shepard. That’s good. And this defense needs to turn the screws and ramp up the intensity. They’re looking a little loose out there right now. And there’s 138 left to play in the first quarter. Joe on the wing. Makado with a steal. Shot from 16. Williams grabs the board. Well, they shouldn’t be giving that shot to anyone, but they certainly shouldn’t be giving it to him. That’s a big break for the defense. Indiana leading by 10. McConnell outside pass to Shepard. Here’s Seakkum. Outside Nesmith. There’s the triple. It’s good. And give the assist to Seakkum. Seakum’s got three assists now in this one. 55 seconds left in the first quarter. Just Alexander passes to Joe and right away they match it with a three-pointer of their own. Always ready to attack from the arc. The last three only added to Joe’s motivation. McConnell against Gil Alexander. McConnell outside and here’s Shepard from three. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Shot and game clock separated by five. Pass to Caruso and they’re going to count that bucket and they’ll send him to the line. It could be a three-point play. Oh, what tremendous focus to absorb the contact and find a way there to finish. And this is his first trip to the line tonight. Some changes for Indiana. Bryant comes in for Seakum and Tyrese Hallebertton subbed in for Shepard. And that one misses. Indiana leading by eight. Here’s Hallebertton. And he was fouled while in the act of shooting. So he’ll take two free throws. Can’t be overzealous with Hallebertton. And when you are, he embraces that. He got the whistle. He’s got his first free throws of the night right here. Free throw good. Hallebertton. You know, young players who come into the league, you want to see if they can bring it every night. Hallebertton certainly fit that bill. And both free throws good for Hallebertton. He’s making the most of every trip to the line, providing for his team. Gilgis Alexander looking it over. Wiggins with a screen on McConnell. Gilis Alexander from outside. Tyrese Hallebertton getting it done for the Pacers. Absolutely carrying the offense. He ends the quarter with 14. And the energy is palpable in this arena. Welcome back to the NBA Finals on 2K Sports and let’s take a moment to get your take, guys, on the scoring so far for the Pacers. Yeah, their early focus on outside scoring has paid off. They’re finding plenty of points from three-point land. Well, I want to add also the damage that has been done on the inside. It’s a lot of rubble in there, but they’re continuing to go right at the defense. And Indiana looking at who they’ve got to out there with Thomas Bryant. Then it’s kneemith. Then there’s Tyresese Hallebertton. And it’s McConnell in at the point. Hallebertton outside. Six to shoot. The finish inside from Hallebertton. Hallebertton piling up points. He can thank his impressive work ethic for that. Gilg Alexander against McConnell. He gets it in there. Gil Alexander’s got 10. Credit their discipline. They’ve been working for high percentage shots. Pass to Bryant and stolen by Williams. Joe. The pass to Gilis Alexander. SGA using that size. Are you serious? What a sweet move. Broke his ankles on that one. Now here’s Helbert covered by Joe to the inside. Wiggins with a steal. And here in the second with about a minute and a half gone by, Caruso the pass to Wiggins. Pacers with a rebound. Pass to McConnell. Hallebertton looking for an opening. Got a piece of it and stolen by Caruso. Gilis Alexander against McConnell. Gilis Alexander passes to Joe. That one’s good. And so Gil just Alexander with the assist. Joe’s got his second basket on the night. They have no answer defensively inside. Hallebertton outside with contact. Hallebertton very consistent tonight at the offensive end. Right there he helps fuel the fire. Thunder trail by eight. Second quarter play. Almost three minutes gone here. Here’s Gilas Alexander. The rebound by Tyresese Hallebertton. Indiana’s gone. Four of eight from three. A nice percentage down low. Here’s Bryant. Solid defense from Williams. McConnell against Gilis Alexander. Now for those joining us now, we’re in the second quarter. About 3 minutes gone by. Williams pass to Wiggins. Caruso outside. Gilis Alexander against McConnell. Just five to shoot. Another shot. It’s good. Gilis Alexander’s got 14 points. Gilas Alexander has blossomed into this forceful guard. Just look at this performance. McConnell finds Bryant the put back. And the slam dunk by Tuffen. And he’s battling for everything, doing all he can to help extend their lead. And just throwing down the putback with authority. Now team’s having a tough time containing him. Attacking all the way there. These are his first free throws of the game. That free throw good from Gilgis Alexander. And the growth that Sheay has shown over the years, it has come on so fast with how he has improved that he’s adding to his game. Hardenstein, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Lou Dord comes in for Joe. Miles Turner, he’s checked in for Indiana. Nimhard comes in for McConnell. Both free throws good from Gilas Alexander. In no shade, Gilgus Alexander has so many of the qualities that you want in a leader. He fights, he’s energetic, he’s a team first guy, and he just looks for ways to get his guys fired up. And we’ll have a timeout here. Called by Rick Carile. A moment to rest and confer on the game plan. and Hallebertton has got the ball here for Indiana. Six-point game. Nimart outside. Pass to Topphen. Oh, and makes it with the kiss. Toppin’s got four points this quarter. And I like this. Don’t just put Obi on the perimeter or have him spot up. Use that length. Use that toughness. Let him make plays inside. Caruso a screen on Toppen. Wiggins passes to Gildas Alexander. And another miss by Oklahoma City. I admire the play call. They just couldn’t capitalize. Yeah, an efficient offensive possession. They found the look that they wanted. Just didn’t go in. Dor with it. He’s picked up by Nimhard. Wiggins outside and here’s Caruso outside. Sinks it from distance. Caruso’s got his second bucket on the night. That’s pretty much not how they would defend the three-point line. Somebody’s got to shadow him out there. Dort with a steal, pushing it up the floor. Here comes Oklahoma City. Here’s Gildas Alexander. He’s making plays all over the floor. Gildas Alexander will not be stopped. Indiana leading by three. Hallebertton pass to Topphen. Turner. A screen on Wiggins. And here’s Toen from the arc. It’s rebounded by Oklahoma City. Yeah. And the defense has really got to tighten up on him. I mean, he’s just too dangerous from the three-point line. Harden shine in the post guarded by Tooffen. Man, he made sure to get his money’s worth on that foul. Oklahoma City shooting their sixth and seventh free throw shots in the game. First one falls for him. They found their rhythm at the free throw line this quarter. Trying hard to make up ground for the Thunder. Homegrren comes in for Wiggins. And it’s Jaylen Williams in for Caruso. Pascal Seakum. He’s checked in for Indiana. Matherin comes in for Nith. hits both from the stripe. Here’s Hallebertton. 18 points for him. Nimhard outside. Pass to Turner. The three on target from range. Turner’s got five points. And this is today’s NBA. Big men like Turner spacing the floor with great outside shooting. Stolen by Seakum. And here comes the break. Indiana shooting their seventh and eighth free throw attempts of the game. And he knocks down the first one. And Seakum, such a solid all-around player, someone who can score it, rebound it, and pass it well. Both good from the line that time. Here’s Gilg’s Alexander. He’s got 18. Puts up a deep three. Oh, the confident from SGA on that three. He played well in the first quarter, but now he’s taking it to the next level. And we’ll have a timeout here. Called by Rick Carile. He’ll take the opportunity to regroup. Here’s Hallebertton. 18 points for him. Seakkum outside shoots over Homegrren and he’s going to the line for two. The officials saw contact while he was going up. It’s on Isaiah Hardenstein. Throughout his career, Seakkum gets himself to the foul line a lot. Adept at using that length and he’ll earn some free throws here and he’ll take his third and fourth free throws of the night. That free throw no Good on the second one. And the Thunder in possession here. Trailing by four, Gilgus Alexander passes to Homegrren. Pass to Hartinstein beyond the ark. And the rebound goes to the Pacers. 13 points was their biggest lead of the game. And here’s Hallebertton. Gilis Alexander defending. Seakum with a screen on Gilis Alexander. Seakum outside. Now here’s Nhard. Just four to shoot. Turner for three. Offensive rebound. Homegrren with the block. Wow. I mean the 7’6 wingspan coming in handy. Homegrren loves swatting away shots just like this. And the fans love seeing incredible moments on defense like that block. Yeah, this is the elevated energy level you expect in the postseason. Chasing down blocks and making an impact. And here’s Seakum for three. Connects from downtown. Seakum’s got six. Drilling that one with confidence. That’s Pascal Seakum. Pass to Hartinstein. They set the screen. And here is Williams. Five on the clock. Homer with a screen on Matherin. Fires from way outside and they’ll get another chance and Hartenstein gets it to go. We’ve seen that more than once today. An effortless basket inside. Pass to Seakum. The three is up. That one’s good. Two for eight now. Yeah, this story in the second quarter much different than the one in the first. We’re finally seeing some aggression outside. Williams puts it up from 12 and it’s good off the back rim and in. Williams has got his second basket and I like Williams works in these mid-range areas. I mean, such an impressive score. Tucked away. Turner with it. Martin covering outside pass to Hallebertton. Turner screen out Hartstein three-pointer Howard and it’s Homer with a rebound. Well, after getting off to a great start hitting those first two shots, he’s definitely regressed a little bit in this quarter. Out of bounds. It’ll be Pacers ball. Well, that’s two teammates who need to reintroduce themselves to one another. Not on the same page. Caruso, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. McConnell, he’s checked in for Indiana. Indiana leading by six. Hey yo, right here. Pass to Turner. Six on the shot clock. Fires it. McConnell shot is off. Practically a block. Good strong challenge. Yeah, altering the shot. Just as long as there’s a miss, that kind of energy not wasted from deep. Homegrren gets rebounded by Indiana. Seakum’s got four rebounds now. Outside Maverick. The Thunder with the rebound. Pass to Caruso. And another miss by Oklahoma City. He loved to make them pay for giving up that wide open jumper. Unable to do so. And a fast break now for the Thunder. Here’s Homegrren. Homegrren finishes with style in transition. And in transition, Holgrren has speed, but he also plays under control. Mako passes to Demar outside. Maverin Turner. A screen on Williams. Here’s Matherin. Another miss. Boy, they’re in a funk right now. They’ve been flawless at the line this quarter. They need to stay aggressive and keep drawing fouls. That’ll help them chip away at the lead. The first one falls. Oklahoma City making a switch here. Joe’s checked in. So after making the first, he goes one for two. Just keep seeing more and more evidence about Jaylen Williams being the total packaging swingman who scores it, rebounds, passes, and can’t defend. And that one drops for him. Flat out taking the game over. And there’s no way he’s going to give it up. Pass to Homegrren. Hardenstein with it. They set a pick. Now Williams knocks it down from distance. Williams has got six in the quarter. Well, you got to be able to shoot fast in the league. So, it’s nice to see Williams doesn’t need a lot of setup time. Jordan with a steal and a fast break now for the Thunder and the basket by Joe. Joe’s got seven points in the game. And now we get a little perspective here on how the hustle game has been for the Thunder. Yeah, they’re just attacking on defense getting those hands out and knocking the ball free. Really like their energy defensively. Sometimes the offense can be key by just quick possession. So you get a steal and you can get out in transition. They seem to be very focused on that end of the floor. Williams finds Dort. Homegrren against Seiakum. Homegrren. The pass to Dort. Five to shoot. There’s the three. Always a nice way to start. Makes his first one. Well, if you’re looking for a three and D player, Dort plays D. And there’s your three. Pacers trail by three. Seakum outside. McConnell outside and he gets that one. Oklahoma City has gone five of 12 from three-point range tonight. Joe pass to Dort to the middle. Here’s Homegrren and count the basket. He was fouled and he’s going to the line for one more. First trip to the free throw line for him tonight. That free throw good from Homegrid. And the first half comes to a conclusion in a game that’s been very close so far. It’s the Thunder. They’re up by four. We’ll see you after halftime for the beginning of the third quarter. I’m not seeing their activity on D. Right now, the game is close, but it could turn on them unless they up the effort. I agree. If they let this slip away, it’s because their defense let them down. Looking at this series for the Indiana Pacers, they’ve made it this far. Game one of the NBA Finals, Shaq, how much brighter is the spotlight here in this championship round. It doesn’t get any brighter. And that’ll do it for us. Thanks for stopping by. We’ll head back down to Brian Anderson and crew for the start of the third quarter. And time for us to get back into it here in game one. You know, Shay Gilis Alexander has been exceptional here, guys. He’s been on the attack, playing hard and going right to the rim. Yeah, nice job of carving his way to the inside with some ease. Not much resistance out there. Here’s Gilas Alexander. Some serious height in the middle. Homegrren the four, Hardenstein the five. Gildas Alexander runs the point with Dort at the two. And it’s Williams in at the small forward position. That’s the lineup out there for the Thunder. They’ve been a little soft with their defense on the interior. Pacers trail by six. Hallebertton outside. M finds Turner to the paint. Here’s Hart. Uses the glass on the layup. You know, you just love to start the second half this way. What a play call. Halftime talks can go all over the board, but right there coming out, that’s the way you want to start the half. Be aggressive. Back to Gilas Alexander. SGA showing off the athleticism there. How about the vertical of Gilas Alexander, a guard who can get up and throw it down. Nimhard outside a screen on Gordon. That’s them hard. The pass to Seakum. Hallebertton outside. Gilas Alexander with a steal. Gilas Alexander gets the bucket on the breakaway. Nice rebound. Trying to match the other team’s intensity right now. Outside Matherin Turner screen on Williams for three. Matherin drills it from deep. Matherin’s got 11. And it’s important Matin keeps hitting these shots because it’ll only help build his confidence. Homegr against Seakum. Homer. The pass to Hardenstein. Oklahoma City’s got to hurry. They got to get up a shot. And Turner with the block. An impressive shot blocker. Turner’s combination of size and timing on defense is so valuable. Here’s Hallebertton. 18 points for him. Seakum outside. Hallebertton against Gilis Alexander. Turner. A screen on Gilis Alexander. Three-pointer. Hallebertton. The Thunder. Pull it in. Harden’s got eight rebounds in the game. Williams passes to Hartenstein. Williams up top. He’s covered by Malin. And Hardenstein slams it in. Oh, not the defensive effort they need to cut into the lead. for a good call. You have to at least try to protect the rim. Good job to recognize the opportunity. That’s just very solid offense. And it’s Rick Carile calling timeout here. I think right now he must be looking at some adjustments. Heat. Heat. And here are the Pacers now. Now here’s Gilas Alexander. 27 points for him. He’s off on the layup. down low and seek with the slam. What a throw down. Seaka making sure no one gets in his way. Thunder leading by five. Gilas Alexander with a ball. A shot from the mid-range. The rebound by Nimhart. Seakum outside. Just under the three and a half minutes played here in the third quarter. The shot by Demhard. No good. The Thunder have gone four of eight in the third. Here’s Williams into the lane and Williams punches it home. Wow, what a move by Jaylen Williams. Offensively, he just has the whole package. Three-pointer mattering. It’s good. And give the assist to Seakkum. Seakum’s got four assists now tonight. Lackluster defense showing no desire to chase shooters off that line. Homegrid inside working on Seakkum. Homegr. The pass to Gilis Alexander. The rebound by Tyresese Hallebertton. And Hallebertton has got the ball here for the Indiana Pacers. Four-point game. With great length and movement skills, Seyakum is a load inside. All right, guys. What do you think so far on the offensive approach for the Thunder? Well, not content to take what the defense gives them. I mean, they’re attacking the gaps and getting the ball inside. You probably have to touch on as well that tonight their penetration has been awesome. I mean, they put force on this game attacking off the bounce and the willingness to do that has paid off. That one misses. Thunder leading by three. Dort with it. He’s picked up by Nimhart. Dort the pass to Gilas Alexander. gets the bucket and the foul. That one on Nhard. Defensively, they’ve got to get more bodies in the paint. That’s three straight field goals from below the free throw line. This will be his third free throw attempt of the game. that free throw good from Gilchis Alexander. Pacers trail by six to the left side wing for three and that’s up and in. Five for 12 in this game. This is what it’s been since halftime. Remarkable results from downtown. Yeah, pretty infectious right here. Guys in good spirits and percentages from downtown on the rise in the second half and he recovers it. Yes, it’s good. Gilg Alexander’s got 11 in the second half. He’s played a huge role in this game to this point, but it looks like he just wants more. He wants to make sure that this lead holds up. And we’ll have a timeout here called by Rick Carile. We might see him looking to make some tweaks to the strategy here. Caruso, he’s checked in for Homegrren. And the Pacers also making a change. Nmith, he’s checked in for Matherin. Gil just Alexander against Hallebertton. And then Turner with the dunk. Too easy for Turner. The defense has to put up more of a fight around the rim. Gilg Alexander against Hallebertton. Strong finish by Gilg Alexander. Assertive move. You can tell the game’s heating up a bit. Limbart outside to the wing. looking it over. Shot clock buck at five again. The Pacers good for two more. Creating some space in their two-man game. Seakum read that one right there. Gilis Alexander against Hallebertton outside. Gilis Alexander. Dor up top. three-pointer. The rebound by Turner. Turner’s got five rebounds tonight. Here’s Nimhart. Not going to go that time. Good work defensively by Gordon to the inside. Williams passes to Gilis Alexander. And yep, it’s good. Gilas Alexander’s got 15 points here in the second half. Pretty easy right now. Clear out. Give him some space. Let him get to work. Back to Hallebertton. Williams against Seakum. Over Williams. Seakum. No good. Thunder leading by five. Caruso. Pass to Hardenstein. Good man. The defender really went after him. This is his second trip to the free throw line in this one. And the first one at the line is good. on the miss. And so Hardenstein nails both of them. Pacers trail by seven. Seakum outside. Pass to Turner. Here’s the three and the foul on Tyresese Hallebert. That’ll be a second foul of the game. Oklahoma City leading by seven. Thorn outside. Here’s Williams. Caruso outside. And there’s the screen. The three is up. Sinks the tray. Caruso’s got his third basket on the night right there. That right there. That’s the kind of look this system is designed to create. Pass to Neart. Back to Hallebertton. And he’s going for the lob. And see Yakam with the slam. Spicy pee finishing the oop. Oklahoma City has got six out of 15 threes so far in this game. Caruso outside. Let’s go with a three. And another three for Oklahoma City. Backto back threes making their defense work on the perimeter a bit. Pacers trail by 11. Now Hallebertton. He’s got 18. Pass to Seakum. Turner a screen on Williams. Just five on the clock. Seakum pass to Hallebertton. Jacks up a three. Dort grabs the miss. Dort’s got six rebounds in the game from 13. Caruso misses. And so it’s Hallebertton with it. He brings it up for Indiana. Out of bounds. It’ll be Oklahoma City’s ball. So for Oklahoma City, Williams has checked in for Hartinstein and it’s Wiggins in for Gilg Alexander. Toppen, he’s checked in for Indiana. McConnell comes in for Tyresese Hallebertton. Thunder leading by 11. And here’s Caruso. He’s got 11. Shoots over McConnell. And so the ball out of bounds. Caruso touched it last. That’s That’s tough because that one’s preventable. The defense has nothing to do at all with that turnover. Seakum outside. Some solid defense from Williams. Oklahoma City has gotten two of four threes to fall here in this third quarter. Here’s Wiggins. Takes it into the teeth of the D and converts the layup. Wiggins got his first bucket in this one. Pacers trail by 13. McConnell passes to Toppen. Nimhard outside. Seakum against Williams. Siakum right side. Five to shoot. Nimhard outside for three. Knocks down the long J. Nimart’s got five points now in the quarter. Zero defense. You can’t let a good shooter have the wideopen three. McConnell against Caruso. There’s a screen inside. Here’s Williams and Williams punches it home. Yeah, undersized guys with athleticism do these kind of things playing above the rim. Love to see him get up like that. Seakum outside, drills the baseline jumper. Seakum’s got 12 points here in the second half. Can’t blame the deficit on him. He’s been scoring at will this period. Garuso the pass to Wiggins from outside off to Mark. Acers trail by 10ard with it. Guarded now by Williams. Pass to Seakkum. Top of the third screen on Williams. And here’s Seakum for three. Another three for Indiana. Well, he now has four three-pointers this game, guys. Two in each half. He’s really spacing out the floor for his teammates. Williams on the wing. Knees Smith covering. Williams misses. A chance at a two for one if they’d like. And I really can’t see why they wouldn’t. McConnell outside. Back to Seakum. Over Williams. Seakum. No good. Oklahoma City leading by seven. Wiggins. Passes to Williams. Wiggins looking around and Williams gets the bucket on the assist by Wiggins. Williams has got 12. They’ve toned down their three-point attack in the second half looking to protect the lead with higher percentage shots. Here’s Seakkum. Top of a screen on Williams. Here’s Seakkum. And all around the rim that time before dropping. Seakum’s got 28. And we’ve watched three so far in this one. Oklahoma City ahead, leading by seven. And fourth quarter basketball will be coming your way on 2K Sports right after this. And while we have a chance, let’s go to our State Farm assist of the game. Yeah, just shredding the defense with that feed. Zero chance to stop that. That’s what great passing will do for you right there. Dissecting the defense with that play. The fourth quarter has arrived. So good to have you with us. And a look at the five for the Pacers to start the fourth quarter. Hallebertton is out there with TJ McConnell. Then it’s Thomas Bryant. Then it’s kneemith. And it’s Tophen in at the four. McConnell outside. Off the mark there with a three. And they’ve just built this lead by attacking the boards. Gil just Alexander against McConnell. Outside Gilgis Alexander. Williams. A screen on McConnell. Here’s Gilis Alexander. And Tophin pulls it down. Pacers trail by seven. Here’s McConnell. No luck on that one. Some solid defense from Williams. Oklahoma City has gone seven for 17 from three-point range so far in this matchup. Gilas Alexander sinks a big one and his fantastic performance from the last game has carried over to tonight. Yeah, the coach pretty smart for zoning in on him and giving him opportunities to stay with that confident play. Screen on Wiggins passes to Bryant and stolen by Williams to the inside and then Bryant with the dunk. And Bryant just attacking the rim with the strong finish inside. Outside Joe Indiana with a rebound. Hallebertton’s got five rebounds in the game. Now here’s McConnell. Brian the screen on Gilis Alexander. McConnell passes to Bryant. Hallebertton with a ball covered by Job. There’s Nmith with the three and the three-pointer goes. Pretty fundamental play there from Obie Topphen getting it to the wide open shooter to the paint. Tipped. Here’s Williams. Excellent D there from Bryant. Pacers trail by four. McConnell outside. Pass to Bryant. Doubled by Joe and wrestling for it there, but no one has possession. Will have a jump ball. Here’s Caruso. Plenty of contact on that shot. Officials call the foul and he’ll take two free throws now. Aaron Nith picks one up. Hey, if you can’t block it, sending him to the line can be the next best thing. on the miss. First free throw is good and really strong at the line since the break. Lou Dort, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. And the Pacers also making a change. Nimhart’s checked in. No good on the second. So he hits one of two. Did enough to make it a two-possession game. Every point counts, especially down the stretch. Over two and a half minutes in the books here in the fourth. Kil just Alexander passes to Dort. Williams with the screen. Fires from deep. The shot by Dort. No good. And so it’s Hallebertton with it. He brings it up for Indiana. They’ve played a great fourth quarter defensively allowing only three points. Here’s Wiggins and he slams it in one-handed. Shouldering more and more of the offensive load. SGA understands that his teammates just they depend on him to set them up too. Brian the screen on Gilis Alexander. Hallebert misses. Thunder leading by seven. Here’s Wiggins. That one’s good. And so Gilis Alexander with the assist. Gilg Alexander’s got five assists tonight. A little over three and 1/2 minutes in the books now in this fourth quarter. Hallebertton with the ball. Top of the outside. Now here’s Nimhard. Defense right on it. Shoots from 12 and it’s good. Off the back of the rim and in. Oh, what great action we’ve seen tonight. Hard to imagine a more entertaining game. No, this is about as high octane a game as you’re going to find. And Gil just Alexander missing. Pacers trail by seven. Hallebertton outside from deep. The Thunder pull it in. So Dorch got rebound number seven tonight. picked his pocket now. Allever outside. Pass to Bryant. Pocket six. The Thunder with the rebound. 13 points was their biggest lead of the game. to the middle. Coppin with a steal. Hallebertton on the wing. Oh, and he got fouled on his way up. He’ll head to the line to shoot two. Oh, forcing the issue. Hallebertton in attack mode. And the first one at the line is good. Yeah, it’s hard to argue against Hallebertton as the best passer in the league right now. I know he’s the most exciting for sure. Hardenstein, he’s checked in for Oklahoma City. Jaylen Williams comes in for Caruso. Miles Turner, he’s checked in for Indiana. Pascal Seakum comes in for Tophen. Then both free throws good for Hallebertton. Here’s Dort down low. Here’s Gilas Alexander. That shot no good. Great D that time from Hallebertton. Pacers trail by five down low. Hallebertton working through the D. That’s a crafty play by Hallebertton inside. He navigated his way around several coverages. Here’s Dort. The rebound by Turner. Turner’s got six rebounds in the game. I’ve been in this position. Your team is up. You want to drive in the dagger, you may be a little overeager. Seakum pass to Nith. Wiggins against Seakum. Turn screen on Wiggins. Just five to shoot. And there’s the whistle. He’ll head to the line to shoot two. You can see the length come into play whether Seakum’s facing up or back to the basket. That’s good from Seakkum. The Thunder making a switch here. Homegrren’s checked in. Mather’s checked in for Indiana. Seakum hits them both. And so it’s Gil just Alexander with it. He brings it up for the Thunder. They lead by one. Screen by Homegrren to end the drought and Gil just Alexander missing. Time for some consideration in the passing category maybe Kevin. The shot is just not on. Get somebody else going. They now take the lead. Seakum’s got 32 points in the game. The halftime break was good for him. Allowed him to step back, calm himself down, get himself in the right frame of mind, and now shots are falling. And we’ve got a timeout called by Mark Dull. He wants their game plan to be crystal clear at this point. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Let’s go now to the sideline and catch up with Alli Leforce. Hi guys. Well, Mark Diagnol was just reviewing the plan with his team. He told us guys not to lose hope, saying to them, “It’s a long game, fellas, and we’re in this one, but I need each one of you to step up your intensity right now.” Let’s see if coach’s message resonates, guys. and Ally, thank you for that. Oklahoma City’s gone 0 for two from outside here in the fourth quarter. Outside pass to Homegrren. Now here’s Gilg Alexander to stop the drought. Oh my goodness. He’ll go to the line with a chance at a four-point play. Benedict Matherin picks one up. That free throw good from Gillis Alexander. Pacers trail by three. Seion outside away. Shot clock at six. Mather against Williams. It’s Matan missing. Thunder leading by three. with the step back and he loss it up and stolen by Homegrren outside. Pass to Homer. Here’s Gil’s Alexander and he banks in the layup. Gilas Alexander’s got 44. Pacers trail by five. Hallebertton pass to Turner. Seian outside back to Turner. Seion of outside down to five on the shot clock. Tries again. And so he draws the foul. Headed to the line to shoot a pair. I like how Seako uses his body control to adjust to what the defense is doing. That’s good from Siakum. And he can’t hit the second. Just a tough miss at the line. They’re down two baskets now. gets scored on the wing. He’s started by Dehart. Williams from long range. Good. And that makes him six for nine. A quality game for him so far. A shot that Williams continues to work on. You love seeing these type of results. Hallebert against Alexander. Kicks it out to Seako. Home with the block. Williams against Mathering. Williams in the post. The rebound by Turner. Turner’s got rebound number seven tonight. That’s to Saka. fires for three and the rebound goes to the Thunder. Williams has got four rebounds now. It’s been neck out of quarter for him. The shot has just been unreliable. Here’s Gilis Alexander. Oh, tough finish inside by Gilis Alexander. Good poise there from the young Giljis Alexander not allowing himself to get rattled. And it’s Rick Carile calling timeout here. Looking to get everyone dialed in and engaged. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Here’s Hallebertton. Can’t get it to drop. She saw with defense from Gilgus Alexander puts the move on. Oh, Seiakum with the block. And that’s good to see. Seakum is locked in on the defensive end. He’s capable of blocking shots. Back to Hallebertton. Lets it go from deep. Oh, you got to guard Hallebertton from there. That’s one of the best three-point shooters. You got to try to scramble the Jets right here and get that guy off the sweet spot. Gil just Alexander on the wing defended by Hallebertton. And Gil just Alexander missing. And so it’s Seakam with it. He brings it up for the Pacers. Hallebertton outside to the middle and stolen by Hardenstein. Back to Gilgus Alexander. Hartinstein with a screen on Matherin. Gilas Alexander from outside. The rebound by Nimhart. Nimart’s got a rebound number five here tonight. Now against Dort and he was camped in the lane there. He gets a 3second call. Oklahoma City leading by six outside. Gilis Alexander shoots over to Hallebertton. No good. A bit long that time. Indiana has gone two of six so far in the fourth for three. Matherin. Count it. What a beautiful shot. Brings him within three. This is what the team likes about Matherin. He’s calm and cool when they need him to step up. Harden screen pass to Gil Alexander. Rejected by Hallebertton against Homer. Crosses over. It falls. Oh, what a sensational bucket. That brings him within one. 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Gilg Alexander against Hallebertton. The put back and they aren’t over the limit yet. And we’ll have a timeout here. Called by Rick Carile. And coach didn’t want to take any chances in this situation, which is why he called the to. What do you think is going to be their best move at this point? If they leave the ark open, take it. But it may be safer to get a quick two and then foul. Don’t force something up. You got to be smart here. Matherin finds Seakkum. Oh, it’s stolen by Gilis Alexander and they commit an intentional foul. We’ll see another one of those. So, they get into the penalty. Yeah, just trying to keep this game alive. Not a bad foul right there. Boy, this offense has been dynamic and diversified. Just everyone sharing the ball and sharing the load makes it difficult to defend. He hits the first one and that gives him a four-point push. So, he goes two for two at the line and it’s a five-point game. Perfect from the line. It’s now a two-possession game. Here’s Hallebertton. The rebound by Shay Gilis Alexander. And so they choose to intentionally foul. Yeah. No choice but to foul in that situation. Although that’s not the guy you want to send to the free throw line. He drops the first one and that increases the lead to six. Second one is good. Getting both at the line and it’s a seven-point game. And now they decide to foul intentionally. And I’ll tell you what, this game is in the books.

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