Indiana Pacers narrowly defeat Oklahoma City in NBA playoffs

Pacers secure finals rematch victory

The Indiana Pacers, league leaders, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder despite a standout performance from Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 47 points, securing a dramatic win in an NBA Finals rematch.

This marked the Pacers’ first visit to Oklahoma City since their Game 7 loss in last season’s Finals. Indiana took early control, leading 39–28 in the first quarter, and managed to withstand repeated comeback attempts from the Thunder.

Late drama in the final quarter

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, as Oklahoma City, trailing by 12 points with 4:44 remaining, twice cut the deficit to a single point.

The league’s MVP converted two free throws to make it 115–114 with 7.8 seconds left, but Jarace Walker calmly responded with two decisive free throws to seal the win for Indiana.

Walker praises team effort

Walker described the victory as “undoubtedly” special for the Pacers, who sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference (11–35), particularly with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined after suffering an Achilles injury in Game 7 of last season.

“The way we went through last year, this game was a goal for us, and it was a great team win,” Walker said.

Strong supporting performances

Canada’s Andrew Nembhard recorded 27 points and 11 assists for Indiana, while Walker added 26 points, and Cameroonian Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points.

Rockets end Pistons’ winning streak

In Detroit, Houston veteran star Kevin Durant scored 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting, leading the Rockets to end the Pistons’ four-game winning streak. Detroit remains the Eastern Conference leader with a 32–11 record.