Skip Bayless Sends Clear OKC Thunder Message During NBA Finals

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Skip Bayless Sends Clear OKC Thunder Message During NBA Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a Game 1 loss in the NBA Finals in a significant way Sunday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers by 16 points. The stifling Thunder defense we've seen in the playoffs showed up Sunday, as the Pacers were never able to get in a real rhythm.
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With the series tied at one game apiece heading back to Indiana, the Thunder have to feel like they're in the driver's seat. Although some might be surprised, it's not a 2-0 lead, especially after the Pacers pulled off a miraculous comeback in Game 1 and a clutch bucket from Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds left.
Alex Caruso (9) dives for a loose ball in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0)© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Skip Bayless sends clear Oklahoma City Thunder message during NBA Finals
With the series now going back to Indianapolis, the Thunder will look to take the series lead in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Ahead of Game 3, Skip Bayless didn't hold back, giving his take regarding the Thunder in the NBA Finals.
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"The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the NBA Finals in five games because they're way better than the Indiana Pacers," Bayless said. "[The Pacers] are not in the same universe with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who still didn't play Thunderbolt basketball [Sunday].
"This is the best defense I've ever seen in the National Basketball Association. Wednesday night will be the night the Thunder take complete control of the series."
The Thunder had the best defensive efficiency in the NBA during the regular season, but took it to another level in the playoffs. Now, in the NBA Finals, it looked as though the Thunder took it to another level in Game 2.
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Oklahoma City was one of the best teams on the road in the NBA this season, so don't expect that defensive intensity to subside anytime soon.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.