2026 NBA Season

[freedomgo]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.

They could have won the first game too if they hadn’t been careless.. they let the Pacers come back, and Hali’s game-winner sealed it. They learned from that and made the necessary adjustments, but that’s just one game. I still wouldn’t count the Pacers out since there are plenty of games left to play. The series is heading to Indiana, and you can bet they’ll do everything they can to protect their home court. But if OKC manages to steal a game there, the momentum will swing back in their favor.

[Oasisman]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.
I said before that they would win the second game because they couldn't throw away their home advantage again.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander played great again.

It was also the first time since the 2019 Toronto Raptors that 5 players from a team scored 15+ points in the same game in the NBA Finals.

The fact that the Thunder has never lost back to back in this playoff run, means they are still the heavy favourites to win the championship.
Also, SGA just showed us why he is the MVP. The OKC offense ran through him. He's splitting double teams, drawing 3-4 opponents when he drives to the rim. Thus, creating wide open shots for his teammates.
The Pacers just don't have answers in game 2 and I knew they won't gonna make another comeback as the OKC are more careful this time.

[Joca97]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.
I said before that they would win the second game because they couldn't throw away their home advantage again.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander played great again.

It was also the first time since the 2019 Toronto Raptors that 5 players from a team scored 15+ points in the same game in the NBA Finals.

Oklahoma played really well the entire game and controlled the entire match from the very start and this is why they won this match easily. Pacers on the other hand still have an advantage because they won one away game and if they managed to win both games at home they might even win the entire thing

[Harkorede]

Durant now is not a player to trade and throw some of you valueable player, you should wait for him to be free.
Durant have 1-3 years and so fragile!

Agree with this last statement.

For me Durant career is nearby to be over, if not is over already in terms of being a top or star player, when in NBA you lost the wagon you lost it, look Harden for example he never recover his level, he can have some really good matches but is not even close to what he was, and Durant is the same.

I think a lot of NBA teams when they look at both teams in the finals would realize that it’s much more easier, sustainable and better to build a championship team mostly through the draft picks and a very few trades either for experience or mentorship rather than the opposite.

Having a player like Kevin Durant would surely improve your chances of winning a ring, but that’s only if you already have every other core ingredients in place, and that’s youthfulness missed with talents and hunger for success, we all talk about how important the trades for the likes of Siakam, Hartenstein and Caruso have been for Pacers and OKC respectively admitting that they’re in better place now with these trades than without, but the cores of both teams were made through proper draft and recruitment processes not the recent rampant superteam building trade process, like we saw from Brooklyn Nets (when they did Irving, Harden and Durant trades) and what the Suns have been doing for the past few years now.

[EFS]

I could only watch the first half but it was already clear where the game was heading. The Thunder took control of the game in the first half. They didn't repeat the mistakes from Game 1. They showed that they learned from it. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also played much better and didn't show the same nerves or panic as in the first game.
It was easy to predict that Game 2 would go like this. But it's much harder to predict how the games in Indiana will play out. I wouldn't bet any money on Game 3.

[boyptc]

I could only watch the first half but it was already clear where the game was heading. The Thunder took control of the game in the first half. They didn't repeat the mistakes from Game 1. They showed that they learned from it. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also played much better and didn't show the same nerves or panic as in the first game.
It was easy to predict that Game 2 would go like this. But it's much harder to predict how the games in Indiana will play out. I wouldn't bet any money on Game 3.

It more likely that the game 3 will be on the Indiana. While they're an unpredictable team, they might be able to get that game.

What's good then with the OKC is they've learned the mistake they did on the game 1. If they will continue to do this, even if it's the Indiana's base.

They know what to do, and all of the role players have to do their jobs respectively. This is going to be an easy game for them. That's what even the bookies tell.

[OgNasty]

Durant now is not a player to trade and throw some of you valueable player, you should wait for him to be free.
Durant have 1-3 years and so fragile!

Agree with this last statement.

For me Durant career is nearby to be over, if not is over already in terms of being a top or star player, when in NBA you lost the wagon you lost it, look Harden for example he never recover his level, he can have some really good matches but is not even close to what he was, and Durant is the same.

I think a lot of NBA teams when they look at both teams in the finals would realize that it’s much more easier, sustainable and better to build a championship team mostly through the draft picks and a very few trades either for experience or mentorship rather than the opposite.

Having a player like Kevin Durant would surely improve your chances of winning a ring, but that’s only if you already have every other core ingredients in place, and that’s youthfulness missed with talents and hunger for success, we all talk about how important the trades for the likes of Siakam, Hartenstein and Caruso have been for Pacers and OKC respectively admitting that they’re in better place now with these trades than without, but the cores of both teams were made through proper draft and recruitment processes not the recent rampant superteam building trade process, like we saw from Brooklyn Nets (when they did Irving, Harden and Durant trades) and what the Suns have been doing for the past few years now.

I thought Durant would be a good idea for the Phoenix Suns too but that turned out to be a disaster.  They even went out and got Bradley Beal with a quarter billion dollar contract and then had the worst season in years...  Now they're trying to dump Beal for nothing and trade Durant.  I think KD might just be passed his prime and not destined to win another ring.  Him and Giannis seem to be the two superstars available on the trading block though, so we'll see who bites.

[Shinpako09]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.
I said before that they would win the second game because they couldn't throw away their home advantage again.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander played great again.

It was also the first time since the 2019 Toronto Raptors that 5 players from a team scored 15+ points in the same game in the NBA Finals.

Oklahoma played really well the entire game and controlled the entire match from the very start and this is why they won this match easily. Pacers on the other hand still have an advantage because they won one away game and if they managed to win both games at home they might even win the entire thing

You're right, they showed strong offense and defense throughout the game. And look at that 29/33 from the free throw line, that’s huge. SGA was just being SGA with 34 points. But yeah, even though the series is now tied, the next two games will be on the Pacers’ home court. Maybe they can limit SGA’s field goals this time. They really need to win Game 3 to take back the lead, and they should always stay ahead in the series if they want to keep their championship hopes alive. Because if not, once OKC gains momentum, they’ll carry it and try to finish the series as early as possible.

[Fundamentals Of]

I will not be surprised if by the end of the game the Pacers came out the winner or the lead is reduced to a single digit.

But I think OKC treats this game as a do-or-die. They will have to take at least one in their court whatever happens or they are in danger of losing this championship.

Not this time - OKC made sure they weren’t going to repeat what happened in Game 1, and they got the win by double digits. But that’s just one game; the series is now tied 1-1. For Game 3, I think I’m going to back the Pacers to win. I’m also curious, what are the current series odds now that it’s tied?

OKC had the grit this time around. They were eager to avenge their earlier loss. SGA was on fire. He meant serious business. Caruso contributed so much off the bench. Wiggins' threes were also a big deal. They were playing the game like it was their last.

Indiana on the other hand looked like they were complacent. Although their turnovers have improved a lot compared to their first game, it was still significant and OKC made a great deal of points out of those errors.

[freedomgo]

Indiana on the other hand looked like they were complacent. Although their turnovers have improved a lot compared to their first game, it was still significant and OKC made a great deal of points out of those errors.

This is a long series, and adjustments are necessary after every game. We saw how OKC adjusted well, which led to their big win.

However, let’s not forget that the Pacers already stole a game on the road—that alone should give them more confidence, especially heading into Game 3 after a loss. If I were to bet on the Pacers, I’d go big in Game 3 and also take the over on the total, because I’m pretty sure their three-point shooting will bounce back as well.

[arwin100]

There's rumor that Durant is really interested to join on Rockets but the management have concerns towards his age and if he really fits well on their team. But let see if there's good negotiation will happen and we could see Durant wearing Rockets uniform.

But also this is potential teams which he possibly go https://www.si.com/betting/kevin-durant-trade-odds-rockets-spurs-set-as-favorites-suns-star-s-next-team

This is controversial move again by Durant so let's just see what will happen on their trade deals.

This is no longer a controversial move of Durant. He's known for doing this kind of thing and that's why it's not a surprise anymore when he's no longer getting a chip and that's why he's trying to move to a better team that has a better chance of winning a title. It's not only the Rockets that he's rumored to move but also in Heat. It's not only him as well that has the idea to move to another team. While the Suns is going to give $150M 2-year contract extension to Devin Booker, they're letting the fans know that he's their franchise player.

Somehow its really not surprising move especially that Durant is well known to transfer on more stronger team for possible championship contention.

That's why lots of fans didn't give much weight on the ring he get from Warriors since they think that Durant is just going an easy path on championship since Warriors is already a well built team.

Indiana on the other hand looked like they were complacent. Although their turnovers have improved a lot compared to their first game, it was still significant and OKC made a great deal of points out of those errors.

This is a long series, and adjustments are necessary after every game. We saw how OKC adjusted well, which led to their big win.

However, let’s not forget that the Pacers already stole a game on the road—that alone should give them more confidence, especially heading into Game 3 after a loss. If I were to bet on the Pacers, I’d go big in Game 3 and also take the over on the total, because I’m pretty sure their three-point shooting will bounce back as well.

Indiana could still do something. Their coach need to do certain good adjustment on this so that they could create a good plays to counter the fast phase and defensive plays of OKC.

Winning game 1 is somehow good but it doesn't mean anything for now since the series is so long. Now OKC wins for sure the momentum is in their side so Pacers need to work hard to beat up OKC if they really want to win the game 3 of this series.

[Fredomago]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.
I said before that they would win the second game because they couldn't throw away their home advantage again.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander played great again.

It was also the first time since the 2019 Toronto Raptors that 5 players from a team scored 15+ points in the same game in the NBA Finals.

Oklahoma played really well the entire game and controlled the entire match from the very start and this is why they won this match easily. Pacers on the other hand still have an advantage because they won one away game and if they managed to win both games at home they might even win the entire thing

You're right, they showed strong offense and defense throughout the game. And look at that 29/33 from the free throw line, that’s huge. SGA was just being SGA with 34 points. But yeah, even though the series is now tied, the next two games will be on the Pacers’ home court. Maybe they can limit SGA’s field goals this time. They really need to win Game 3 to take back the lead, and they should always stay ahead in the series if they want to keep their championship hopes alive. Because if not, once OKC gains momentum, they’ll carry it and try to finish the series as early as possible.

Pacers needs everything that they can do to play good defense and offense as they'll going to play in their homecourt, fans participation will give them additional boost to work harder, let see if how they will execute whatever system that they are planning to use better to have that early offensive arsenal to avoid lacking of time trying to rally back then win the game, it's not always that they've got that opportunity to win the game.

[avp2306]

Oklahoma City Thunder didn't do what they did in the first game and won the second game easily.
I said before that they would win the second game because they couldn't throw away their home advantage again.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander played great again.

It was also the first time since the 2019 Toronto Raptors that 5 players from a team scored 15+ points in the same game in the NBA Finals.

Oklahoma played really well the entire game and controlled the entire match from the very start and this is why they won this match easily. Pacers on the other hand still have an advantage because they won one away game and if they managed to win both games at home they might even win the entire thing

You're right, they showed strong offense and defense throughout the game. And look at that 29/33 from the free throw line, that’s huge. SGA was just being SGA with 34 points. But yeah, even though the series is now tied, the next two games will be on the Pacers’ home court. Maybe they can limit SGA’s field goals this time. They really need to win Game 3 to take back the lead, and they should always stay ahead in the series if they want to keep their championship hopes alive. Because if not, once OKC gains momentum, they’ll carry it and try to finish the series as early as possible.

Pacers needs everything that they can do to play good defense and offense as they'll going to play in their homecourt, fans participation will give them additional boost to work harder, let see if how they will execute whatever system that they are planning to use better to have that early offensive arsenal to avoid lacking of time trying to rally back then win the game, it's not always that they've got that opportunity to win the game.

Pacers need to settle up their offensive execution so that they can establish high points against OKC. Since watching them for couples of games it seems like they are struggling to produce good numbers for their team.

They also need to win on rebounds since although Pacers have good big mans OKC still manage to out rebound them.

Defensive adjustment is need to execute and they should limit Shai to score since so far his so consistent contributing 30+ on game 1 and game 2 that means there defense is so poor and OKC star roast them on any ends on the court.

This is just what I observe which need to improve on Pacers side.

[danherbias07]

Pacers needs everything that they can do to play good defense and offense as they'll going to play in their homecourt, fans participation will give them additional boost to work harder, let see if how they will execute whatever system that they are planning to use better to have that early offensive arsenal to avoid lacking of time trying to rally back then win the game, it's not always that they've got that opportunity to win the game.

I watched Game 2 again, and it's obvious that it's Haliburton who is missing in action during the first half of the game. Like what RJ said during that game, he should be aggressive at all times because it will open up a lot of his teammates to be an offensive threat, too.

Plus, they need to provide backup for Haliburton, too. He cannot be the burden during defensive stances. Maybe they need to watch tapes from the GSW defense where many teammates of Steph Curry are providing help when he is the target, and it happens a lot of times. Hali is now the target because he is weak on the defensive end, which has to change.

[Volgastallion]

I always see so much people talking about Haliburton as the key or main player of Indiana and is ok but i think and feel like that is not 100% accurate, lets me explain.

For me the most decissive and important player in the whole Indiana Pacers team is Paskal Siakam he is the real beast, he makes the team is what it is, Haliburton is the body and the star but the soul and heart is paskal Siakam.

[batang_bitcoin]

This is no longer a controversial move of Durant. He's known for doing this kind of thing and that's why it's not a surprise anymore when he's no longer getting a chip and that's why he's trying to move to a better team that has a better chance of winning a title. It's not only the Rockets that he's rumored to move but also in Heat. It's not only him as well that has the idea to move to another team. While the Suns is going to give $150M 2-year contract extension to Devin Booker, they're letting the fans know that he's their franchise player.

Exactly, it's no longer a surprise if we see KD playing with another team as he's trying to use his opportunities to still get decent payments and continue playing, I like the way you described that move from the Suns making sure that they'll keep Booker as still their franchise player, when the trade happened for KD then they'll need to work things up for Booker having his new teammates and blend chemistry to be more competitive next season.

The Suns know what to do and they shouldn't shoo Booker because it all started from them and they have to keep him as their face. This KD-Booker-Beal thing is already a failure and they need to move on with a plan Booker's tandem will be gone and has to rebuild the team with him.

This is no longer a controversial move of Durant. He's known for doing this kind of thing and that's why it's not a surprise anymore when he's no longer getting a chip and that's why he's trying to move to a better team that has a better chance of winning a title. It's not only the Rockets that he's rumored to move but also in Heat. It's not only him as well that has the idea to move to another team. While the Suns is going to give $150M 2-year contract extension to Devin Booker, they're letting the fans know that he's their franchise player.

Somehow its really not surprising move especially that Durant is well known to transfer on more stronger team for possible championship contention.

That's why lots of fans didn't give much weight on the ring he get from Warriors since they think that Durant is just going an easy path on championship since Warriors is already a well built team.

Yes, that's exactly what most of the fans think about him. If the topic goes by about the rings he's got, most fans will say that it's from the effort of Steph, Klay, Dray, and the others and him just rode it. Anyway, the last rumor that I've read is that there is a mutual interest with the Spurs and KD.

[Japinat]

I always see so much people talking about Haliburton as the key or main player of Indiana and is ok but i think and feel like that is not 100% accurate, lets me explain.

For me the most decissive and important player in the whole Indiana Pacers team is Paskal Siakam he is the real beast, he makes the team is what it is, Haliburton is the body and the star but the soul and heart is paskal Siakam.

We all have our own opinions. Siakam is more of a scorer and defender, but when it comes to a point guard who makes the whole team better, that’s Hali. He might not always score a lot, but if you look at the team, almost all the starters are in double digits, and that’s because Hali is able to create open shots for them. One bad game from Hali doesn’t erase everything he’s done for the team so far, and let’s not forget, his Game 1 performance and that game-winning shot were huge and can’t just be ignored.

[ultrloa]

I always see so much people talking about Haliburton as the key or main player of Indiana and is ok but i think and feel like that is not 100% accurate, lets me explain.

For me the most decissive and important player in the whole Indiana Pacers team is Paskal Siakam he is the real beast, he makes the team is what it is, Haliburton is the body and the star but the soul and heart is paskal Siakam.

We all have our own opinions. Siakam is more of a scorer and defender, but when it comes to a point guard who makes the whole team better, that’s Hali. He might not always score a lot, but if you look at the team, almost all the starters are in double digits, and that’s because Hali is able to create open shots for them. One bad game from Hali doesn’t erase everything he’s done for the team so far, and let’s not forget, his Game 1 performance and that game-winning shot were huge and can’t just be ignored.

If you look at the stats on Pacers here https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers we could see that Siakam is really there number one scorer and consistent player on their team.

We can't deny the passing ability of Haliburton is nice. He also need to step up for his team especially that they are lacking of offensive power and that give them struggles on game 2.

No one take those good thing he do on game 1 but its total team effort since all of them inside the court made a good plays that's why that situation happen and Pacers takes game 1 against OKC.

[Wapfika]

If you look at the stats on Pacers here https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers we could see that Siakam is really there number one scorer and consistent player on their team.

We can't deny the passing ability of Haliburton is nice. He also need to step up for his team especially that they are lacking of offensive power and that give them struggles on game 2.

No one take those good thing he do on game 1 but its total team effort since all of them inside the court made a good plays that's why that situation happen and Pacers takes game 1 against OKC.

I’m not surprised that Siakam is the top scorer for them since Haliburton is always being guarded strongly of every team due to his high accuracy shot when wide open.

Siakam huge frame makes him so dominant on attacking the paint while Haliburton draw the defense outside the paint.

If you watch carefully Haliburton game, The moment he hold the ball he  is already looking for an open teammates to pass the ball immediately.

[ILuckyGuyI]

I admit Pacers +12.5 was quite risky in Game 2 and it didn't win also. But still it added more excitement into it for me while watching the game. Thunder were really dominant and I think they are winning next time also.

If you look at the stats on Pacers here https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers we could see that Siakam is really there number one scorer and consistent player on their team.

We can't deny the passing ability of Haliburton is nice. He also need to step up for his team especially that they are lacking of offensive power and that give them struggles on game 2.

No one take those good thing he do on game 1 but its total team effort since all of them inside the court made a good plays that's why that situation happen and Pacers takes game 1 against OKC.

Statistically yeah, the situation is really like that. Siakam is scoring more and missing less - FG%. He is ahead of Haliburton in these average stats.

But Haliburton has played a really critical role in many games until now. His buzzer-beaters have been great to watch.