Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited sustained defensive intensity and bench production after his team evened the NBA Finals with a 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2.
Daigneault pointed to Oklahoma City’s aggressive approach on both ends, especially during the second and third quarters, as the difference from their one-point loss in Game 1.
“I just thought we were the aggressor tonight for much of the game,” he said postgame. “Even when we had a lead, I thought the guys did a really good job of keeping the foot on the gas.”
The Thunder held the Pacers to 41.3% shooting while forcing 13 turnovers. Indiana’s star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 17, managed just two free throws and committed five turnovers as the Thunder employed a more conceptual defensive scheme.
“They’re a more conceptual team and you have to be kind of a conceptual defense against them,” Daigneault explained. “I thought we were able to do that tonight.”
Aaron Wiggins played a key role off the bench, scoring 18 points on five made threes. Daigneault praised his readiness and poise, despite a fluctuating role in the rotation.
“He didn’t go in until the second quarter and just dove right into the game,” he said. “Great professionalism, great readiness, and a huge performance.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points while adding eight assists. Daigneault emphasized the guard’s evolution as a facilitator.
“He’s really steadily improved as a playmaker, and he’s been doing that for a long time,” Daigneault noted. “His floor game tonight was really in a great rhythm.”
Oklahoma City shot 48.8% from the field and outrebounded Indiana 43-35. Daigneault also cited improved pick-and-roll coverage and lineup adjustments, including more size on the perimeter.
“We try to really use these early games in the series to learn what our options are,” he said. “That was the intent tonight—to get a little bit more information.”
Chet Holmgren rebounded from a poor Game 1 with 15 points and six rebounds, while Jalen Williams added 19. Daigneault highlighted Williams’ all-around contribution, regardless of shooting numbers.
“When he has the great offensive nights, then he’s unbelievable,” Daigneault said. “But he’s a great player independent of that.”
The Thunder bench, led by Wiggins and Alex Caruso, who scored 20, swung momentum with a dominant second-quarter stretch that sparked a 19-2 run.
Daigneault acknowledged the importance of Game 2 improvements, but stressed the need for continued growth as the series shifts to Indiana.
“They’re going to go home, be very comfortable,” he said. “If we don’t continue to improve, then we’ll get caught behind them.”
Game 3 is set for Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers will host their first NBA Finals game since 2000.
