The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just bounce back in Game 2 of the NBA Finals—they roared back with a vengeance. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder dismantled the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night to tie the series 1-1 and remind the world why they were the league’s most consistent force this season.

It was a masterclass in resilience and execution. After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander turned in a dazzling 34-point, 8-assist performance, once again proving he’s built for the biggest stages. The Kentucky-born guard followed up his 38-point outing in the opener with relentless offense and calm leadership. “We just used the opportunity to get better,” he told ABC postgame, sounding like a man with his eyes fixed on a championship.

The Thunder started slow, with early turnovers and nerves echoing Game 1, but once they settled, they unleashed a furious second-quarter run that broke Indiana’s spirit. A 19-2 stretch, capped by a highlight-reel dunk from Chet Holmgren, electrified the Paycom Center crowd and forced Indiana to call multiple timeouts in desperation. The lead ballooned to 23 points as OKC’s defense suffocated the Pacers’ high-powered attack.

Oklahoma City held Indiana to 34.9% shooting in the first half and completely shut down Tyrese Haliburton, the Game 1 hero. The Pacers guard, who drained the game-winner in the opener, had only three points deep into the third quarter and finished with a quiet 17—12 of which came in meaningless fourth-quarter minutes. Credit goes to Luguentz Dort, whose lockdown defense made life miserable for Haliburton all night.

Meanwhile, OKC’s role players stepped up in big ways. Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Jalen Williams all chipped in double figures, helping the Thunder maintain their energy and depth across all four quarters. Even Holmgren, who struggled in Game 1, rebounded with a strong outing and a statement dunk that signaled the shift in momentum.

By the time the fourth quarter began, the outcome was all but decided. The Thunder didn’t just hold the lead—they suffocated any hope of a comeback, dominating the boards and continuing to pile on the pressure.

As the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, the pressure now flips to Indiana. Despite their miraculous postseason run—knocking out top seeds and rallying from big deficits—the Pacers will need more than grit to overcome this OKC squad.

Head coach Rick Carlisle, who once led the Mavericks to a Finals upset over the Heat, knows the uphill battle they face. “We understand the magnitude of the opponent,” he said. “Oklahoma City has been dominant all year long.”

Dominant is an understatement. The Thunder’s blend of suffocating defense, depth, and star power—highlighted by the unstoppable Gilgeous-Alexander—makes them a formidable opponent, even for the most explosive offense in the league.

This series now becomes a test of contrast: OKC’s ironclad defense versus Indiana’s free-flowing offense. And unless the Pacers can find a way to break that defensive wall, the Larry O’Brien Trophy may soon find its way to Oklahoma.

Canadian two-way star Luguentz Dort has quietly amassed an impressive financial portfolio. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at around $7 million – a testament to his rise from undrafted prospect to cornerstone defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder

A major driver of his wealth lies in his contract. In July 2022, Dort signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal, including roughly $64.8 million guaranteed . For the current season, his salary is approximately $17.7 million, the highest of his career

Beyond his court pay, Dort benefits from endorsements. He has partnerships with Adidas, a collaboration that originated from his early AAU days, and reportedly includes campaigns like the Adidas Z.N.E. line . These deals, while privately estimated, add solid non-salary income.
Here’s a glance at Dort’s financial setup:

Net Worth (2025): ~$7 million

2024–25 NBA Salary: ~$17.7 million

Contract Details: 5 years, $82.5 million total, $64.8 million guaranteed

Endorsements: Adidas, possibly others like PlayStation and food delivery platforms

Although he doesn’t generate NBA highlight-level box‑office income, Dort’s blend of a solid salary and emerging endorsements gives him a strong financial base at just 26 years old. Watching him dominate on defense while steadily growing his off‑court brand makes him one of the league’s most intriguing value plays—both on the stat sheet and in financial terms.

Akeal Hosein, the dependable left-arm spinner from Trinidad and Tobago, has quietly accumulated significant earnings through a career spanning international cricket and franchise T20 leagues. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands around USD 1–1.5 million

His salary broke into the spotlight with the auction, where Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for ₹1 crore (around USD 120,000) . In 2025, Hosein was drafted by Quetta Gladiators in the PSL’s gold category with a $80,000 contract . He also earned up to AU$250,000 playing for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL

With core earnings from his central contract with Cricket West Indies—about $25,000 yearly plus match fees—and earnings from CPL stints with Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents, his career income has been solid

While not among the ultra-wealthy cricketers, Hosein has been prudent, supplementing his cricket income with modest brand endorsements and possibly local investments. As he continues in IPL, and other franchise leagues, his net worth seems poised to rise, matching his growing reputation on the field.