OKLAHOMA CITY — For Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins, staying prepared amid inconsistent enjoying time by no means guarantees an elevated function on the most important stage within the NBA. After ending with three factors and one steal in 9 minutes, Wiggins turned in his largest efficiency of the postseason. He completed with 18 factors on 6-of-11 photographs, together with 5-of-8 from deep, 4 rebounds, one help, and one steal in a 123-107 win towards the Indiana Pacers.
After a one-point loss, the Thunder tied the NBA Finals, 1-1. After Wiggins and the Thunder put the ending touches on a 16-point blowout win in Recreation 2, he spoke about his humble beginnings and why staying prepared is essential to his function in Oklahoma Metropolis.
“I give it some thought on a regular basis, being from Greenboro, my journey early on, it taught me to be grateful,” Wiggins mentioned. “To reap the benefits of the alternatives I get, groups that I performed for, and I used to be sort of like a late bloomer. That helped my journey. It sort of helped me mentally to not be afraid, no matter what second could also be in entrance of me, or of what’s requested of me.”
Wiggins and Thunder veteran Alex Caruso (20) mixed for 38 factors towards the Pacers, which is the third time two bench gamers mixed every scored 18+ factors in a single NBA Finals sport because the 1970-71 marketing campaign.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Aaron Wiggins’ play in Thunder win
Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander counseled Aaron Wiggins’ efficiency in Recreation 2. After listening to loads of oohs and aahs off of Wiggins’ spectacular dribble transfer towards Tyrese Haliburton, it was that sort of night time for the Thunder reserve.
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Wiggins’ efficiency was the discuss of the Thunder’s media availability after Recreation 2, which Gilgeous-Alexander took the time to focus on Wiggins’ 18-point efficiency.
“It is massive time. It’s spectacular to me. He’s been precisely who he’s been all yr all through the playoffs,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “Generally he [gets] 20 minutes. Generally will get two minutes. Generally he will get 10. It is all over, and it doesn’t matter what, he finds a strategy to impression successful for us. And also you want it within the largest moments. Nobody-man present if you’re within the NBA championship.
“For him to rise to the event or simply be who he is been within the largest second of his basketball profession is fairly gutsy. Says lots concerning the competitor and the person he’s,” Gilgeous-Alexander concluded.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Aaron Wiggins’ impression in Recreation 2:
“Large time. It’s spectacular to me. He’s been precisely who he’s been all yr all through the playoffs… it doesn’t matter what he finds a strategy to impression successful for us” pic.twitter.com/Dn7NVeF3nK
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) June 9, 2025
The Thunder will look to seize their first lead of the NBA Finals in Recreation 3 towards the Pacers on Wednesday.