OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 47 points amidst an 18-point comeback, coach Mark Daigneault and the defending champions came up short in their Finals rematch against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 117-114 at the Paycom Center.

The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Friday in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.

Nembhard led the way with 27 points and 11 rebounds, setting the tone early and steadying the Pacers when the Thunder surge came late. Walker delivered the best game of his young career, scoring a career-high 26 points and calmly knocking down four clutch free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal it.

MIAMI (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder should have been angry. It was Saturday night. They had just lost to the Miami Heat 122-120. It was a game that saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get called for a crucial offensive foul with 1:14 remaining (the NBA said a day later it wasn't a foul),

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. ET.

Downtown OKC prepares for Thunder game amid impending winter weather

Pacers guard Quenton Jackson sprained his right ankle on Wednesday against the Celtics. He was ruled out for Friday's game but could return soon.

Oklahoma City is well positioned to defend its title, but what is the biggest question surrounding this team?