The Indiana Pacers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 26, 2024, aiming to extend their winning streak to six games. After securing five straight victories, the Pacers were hopeful to maintain momentum against the formidable Thunder, who entered the game with the best record in the NBA at 23-5, having won twelve of their last thirteen matches.
The matchup was set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as fans hoped to witness the Pacers topple their recent adversaries. Historically, the Pacers had been successful against the Thunder, winning their previous three meetings, including one earlier this season.
Before the tip-off, both teams released their injury reports which played a significant role in the match’s dynamics. For the Pacers, Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) were confirmed out, with Myles Turner listed as questionable due to a right oblique contusion. Turner had been performing well, having scored double digits and recorded at least two blocks consistently over his last four matches. Without him, the Pacers would depend heavily on Thomas Bryant to step up as the backup center, particularly since he joined the team after being traded earlier this month.
On the Thunder’s side, the injury list was equally concerning. Chet Holmgren (hip), Alex Caruso (hip), Nikola Topic (knee), and Branden Carlson (concussion protocol) were all ruled out. This was particularly impactful as Holmgren, the Thunder’s promising rookie, had been sidelined since mid-November. Despite the absence of key players, the Thunder remained strong, largely due to the stellar performances of star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
At the opening tip-off, the Pacers enjoyed an early lead, going up 22-7, with their offensive play demonstrating confidence and precision. Unfortunately for Indiana, Lu Dort suffered an injury early on which prompted the Thunder to call for a timeout and reassess their strategy on the floor. Despite this setback, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned the game around for Oklahoma City, racking up points with ease.
By the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma City had rallied to take control, and Gildious-Alexander's scoring was relentless. He concluded the night with 45 points, tying his career-high, leading the Thunder to a thrilling 120-114 victory over the Pacers. His ability to absorb pressure and respond with consistent scoring was pivotal.
While the Pacers fought valiantly, they struggled to contain the Thunder's high-powered offense, especially Gildious-Alexander’s explosive play. Tyrese Haliburton contributed solidly for the Pacers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder's depth and scoring capabilities. The final score reflected not only the talent disparity but also the intensity of the battle as both teams pushed to secure momentum moving forward.
The Thunder's victory improved their record to 24-5, maintaining their lead atop the Western Conference, whereas the Pacers fell to 15-16, still seeking consistency but proving they are competitive against top-tier opponents.
Looking forward, both teams will aim to build on their respective campaigns: the Thunder continuing to assert their dominance, and the Pacers attempting to initiate another streak as they move on from this closely contested game.
