Imagine a thrilling NBA rematch between two teams with drastically different seasons—one soaring to the top, the other battling through injuries and setbacks. That’s exactly what unfolded when the Indiana Pacers edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-114 on January 23, 2026, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. This wasn’t just any regular-season game; it was a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Andrew Nembhard led the charge for the Pacers with a stellar 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jarace Walker delivered a career-best 26 points, proving to be the unsung hero of the night. But here’s where it gets controversial: Walker’s clutch performance, including four free throws in the final 10 seconds, sealed the deal for injury-plagued Indiana, snapping their three-game losing streak. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 21 points, but it was Walker’s late-game composure that stole the spotlight. Is this the turning point for the Pacers, or just a fleeting moment of glory?
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-caliber season, dropping 47 points for the Thunder. And this is the part most people miss: Despite missing key players like Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso, the Thunder nearly pulled off a comeback, trailing by just one point with 7.8 seconds left. Chet Holmgren’s 25 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks were a bright spot, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
The narrative of these two teams couldn’t be more different. Since Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating Achilles injury in Game 7 of last season’s Finals, the Pacers have struggled, while the Thunder soared to the league’s best record (37-9). Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Haliburton’s injury shift the balance of power in the NBA, or was Oklahoma City’s success inevitable? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The game’s final minutes were a rollercoaster. With 2:35 left, the Pacers led 113-103, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s nine points in the last two minutes kept the Thunder within striking distance. After Walker’s free throws, Isaiah Joe’s missed 3-pointer with three seconds left sealed the Pacers’ victory. But here’s the real question: Could the Thunder have clinched it if their roster was fully healthy?
Nembhard’s consistent scoring—eight points in both the first and second quarters—gave Indiana an early edge, highlighted by a 3-pointer that extended their lead to 47-30. However, the Thunder fought back with a 23-11 run, fueled by Cason Wallace’s two 3-pointers, to close the gap to 58-53 at halftime. Is this a sign of the Thunder’s resilience, or just a temporary setback for a team destined for greatness?
Looking ahead, the Pacers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, while the Thunder host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. What’s your take on this game? Did the Pacers deserve the win, or did the Thunder let it slip away? Share your thoughts below!
