Think of the Chicago Bulls, who feature Nikola Vučević. He can shoot but cannot defend the rim. Think of the Atlanta Hawks, whose bigs can defend the rim but cannot shoot. You can get paid handsomely to do one or the other, but can you win on the highest level? Not if the most recent champions are indicators.

The Thunder evened the 2025 NBA Finals at 1-1 with a 123-107 Game 2 win over the Indiana Pacers. It was another must-win scenario that the title favorite aced. That's been a common theme these playoffs.

NBA Finals are tied at 1-1 heading into Wednesday's Game 3. The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from their last-second, upset defeat in Game 1 by steamrolling the Indiana Pacers, 123-107, in Sunday's Game 2.