Now the pressure is coming to the Pacers. If the status quo cannot be changed, it will be difficult to win the championship.

On June 9, in the second game of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-115 away, and the series score was tied 1-1. The defeat cast a shadow on the Pacers' championship journey and makes the next home game crucial. The

The competition was full of gunpowder from the beginning. Thunder star Shay Gilgers Alexander continued his outstanding form in the first game, scoring 32 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the game. Under his leadership, the Thunder established a 10-point lead in the first quarter. Although the Pacers narrowed the gap to 5 points in the second half, their mistakes at critical moments and poor outside defense made them fail. In the whole game, the Thunder's three-point shooting percentage was as high as 42.9%, while the Pacers had only 31.8%. This data comparison became the key to victory or defeat.

Pacers core Tyres Halliburton performed well in this game, contributing 22 points and 9 assists, but made 5 turnovers. In the post-match interview, Halliburton admitted: "We are not doing well enough on the defensive end, especially in limiting opponents' three-pointers. The Thunder are a very good team and we have to play better to win." Head coach Rick Carlisle also said that the team needs to make adjustments in defensive rotation and rebound protection.

This loss has put the Pacers in great pressure. Historical data shows that when the finals draw 1-1, the probability of the team that won the third game winning the final is as high as 71.4%. The next two home games are crucial for the Pacers, and if they cannot adjust in time, they are likely to fall into a passive situation.

From a technical perspective, the Pacers need to solve several key problems:

1. Peripheral defense quality: The Thunder have many excellent pitchers, and how to limit their three-point shooting percentage is the top priority.

2. Turnover Control: The Pacers averaged 15 turnovers per game in two games, which gave the Thunder too many opportunities to score easily.

3. Substitute score: The Pacers only scored 28 points in this game, while the Thunder substitute contributed 42 points, and this gap needs to be made up.

However, the Pacers are not without their chances. They still have home court advantages, and the team's overall strength is comparable to that of the Thunder. If tactics can be adjusted in time and the defensive intensity can be strengthened, it is entirely possible to regain the initiative in the next game.

It is worth mentioning that the atmosphere in this game was very hot, and the Thunder home game Paycom center was full. The cheers of Thunder fans put a lot of pressure on the Pacers, which also reminds the Pacers to make full use of the support of fans after returning to home.

Looking forward to the next game, the Pacers need to start improving from the following aspects:

First, the defense against Alexander and Jaylen Williams must be strengthened. The two players averaged 55 points per game in the first two games, which was the most important scoring point for the Thunder. Secondly, Miles Turner's inside offense needs to be activated, and he scored only 12 points in this game, far below the playoff average. Finally, substitutes need to provide more firepower support, especially shooter Buddy Hilder needs to regain his feel.

Psychologically, the Pacers need to maintain confidence. Although they lost the second game, they have already won a away game and achieved their lowest goal. Now when you go back to home, as long as you can do the details, you will have a chance to regain the initiative in the series.

For the Thunder, head coach Mark Degnot expressed satisfaction with the team's performance: "Our players have implemented the game plan, especially on the defensive end. But the series is still long and the Pacers are a very tenacious team and we have to stay focused. "

For the Pacers, the next 48-hour adjustment period is crucial. The coaching staff needs to carefully study the game video to find defensive loopholes, and also help players adjust their mentality. On the stage of the finals, psychological quality is often equally important as technical performance.

From a historical perspective, many championship teams have encountered setbacks in the series. The Heat in 2013 and the Cavaliers in 2016 both eventually reversed and won the championship under an unfavorable situation. This shows that as long as the Pacers adjust in time, there is still a lot to do.

fans also responded to the Pacers' performance. On major basketball forums, some fans criticized the team for their poor defense, while others expressed their understanding and believed that the Thunder were indeed strong. But most fans expressed their support for the team, believing they can rebound at home.

In short, while the Pacers are currently facing setbacks in the Finals, the series has just begun. As long as they can solve defensive problems and control mistakes, they are fully capable of regaining the initiative at home. The next two games will determine the trend of the series. Let us wait and see if this young team can withstand the pressure and create miracles. As a senior commentator said: "Real champion teams often prove themselves in adversity. "