Thunder vs Pacers: Pacers edge Thunder 117-114 in Oklahoma City
Introduction: Why the Thunder vs Pacers matchup mattered
The Thunder vs Pacers fixture has delivered compelling contests in the 2025–26 NBA season, providing a window into both teams’ offensive firepower and late-game execution. Recent meetings — notably a high-scoring October clash and a tight January showdown — underline how small margins and individual performances can decide outcomes, making this pairing particularly relevant for fans tracking momentum and adjustments as the season progresses.
Main body: Key details from recent games
Jan 23, 2026 — Pacers 117, Thunder 114 (Oklahoma City)
On 23 January 2026 the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-114 in Oklahoma City. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a team-high 27 points and added 11 assists, a performance that helped Indiana withstand a late Thunder push. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder in a remarkable individual effort, scoring 47 points on 60.7% shooting, but his performance ultimately fell short.
The Thunder managed only a single lead during the game — a brief two-point advantage in the opening stages — while the Pacers at one point opened up a 17-point margin. Oklahoma City repeatedly narrowed the gap, and the game featured an open look in the dying moments that could have sent the contest to overtime but did not fall. Indiana’s three-point barrage at various stages proved influential, forcing the Thunder into repeated catch-up situations.
Earlier meeting (Oct 23, 2025)
Earlier in the season, on 23 October 2025, the teams produced a very different scoreboard, with the Thunder prevailing 141-135. That high-scoring encounter, reported by ESPN, highlighted both teams’ offensive capabilities and set the tone for a season of tightly contested matchups between the clubs.
Conclusion: Significance and what to watch next
These recent Thunder vs Pacers games emphasise the contrast between elite individual scoring efforts and team balance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 47-point night showcased his scoring dominance, while Andrew Nembhard’s 27 points and 11 assists underlined the impact of playmaking and support scoring for the Pacers. For readers, the takeaways are clear: outcomes between these teams may hinge on three-point efficiency, late-game execution and whether supporting players can match star-level outputs. Future meetings will likely remain tight and influential for both teams’ trajectories as the season continues.
