Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers faced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder today in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals. From the opening tip-off, the Thunder fans flexed their home-court advantage, chanting and waving rally towels while SGA sliced and diced through the Pacers’ defense en route to a dominant early lead.
The Thunder held a 59–41 lead at halftime, leaving Indiana scrambling to keep pace. Even the most stalwart Pacers supporters would have drowned amindst the noise at Paycom Center—except one fiery visitor in the stands who refused to stay silent.
Among the Thunder faithful sat former Iowa State cheerleader Jade Jones, better known to Pacers fans as Haliburton’s longtime girlfriend. Even when Haliburton & Co. struggled throughout Game 2, Jones was her fiery self, even “talking back” to a Thunder fan while Indiana was at a 15-point deficit.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Girlfriend’s Viral Takedown Steals the Spotlight in Thunder–Pacers Game 2
Cameras caught Jones, decked in a navy crop top and tennis skirt, with a white sweatshirt draped over her shoulders, leaning forward to exchange pointed words with nearby Thunder fans.
Her animated gestures and fiery demeanor did not just rattle nearby fans. They instantly lit up social media feeds across X, Instagram, and beyond. Video of Jones’ impassioned sideline tirade went viral within minutes.
Sports Illustrated noted that the broadcast had to be interrupted during the game as the cameras focused on Jones “talking CRAZY to somebody.” One X user quipped, “Someone remind Haliburton’s girlfriend that they are still down by 14.”
Someone please remind Tyrese Haliburton’s girlfriend that they are still down by 14 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/LW43UNx0CF
— Real Deal Aneil (@realdealAneil) June 9, 2025
Meanwhile, Paycom Center sizzled as the Thunder responded to their Game 1 loss with a crushing 123–107 victory over the Pacers, knotting the NBA Finals at 1–1.
Led by league MVP SGA’s 34 points and buoyed by a 19–2 second-quarter blitz that ballooned the lead to 23, the Thunder notched a statement victory. Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren scored 19 and 15 points respectively.
On Indiana’s end, Haliburton had 17 points and six assists, Myles Turner added 16, and Pascal Siakam tallied 15 points. However, this wasn’t enough to swing momentum back. The Thunder’s depth and defensive clamps proved decisive in evening the series on home turf.
Potential For Another Jade Jones’ “WAG’s War Cry” During Game 3
Meanwhile, Jones’ presence in the stands is far from a one-off. A native of Urbandale, Iowa, she and Haliburton have been inseparable since meeting on campus, where he dazzled as a Cyclone and she cheered courtside.
She even rocked custom denim jeans emblazoned with “HALIBURTON” and paired designer labels with a black waistcoat before Game 1 tip-off last June 5. However, the second matchup was incredibly tougher than Game 1, with Jones’ courtside face-off with Thunder fans stealing some of the attention.
As the series now heads to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 on June 11, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will the Pacers regain their winning momentum? And more importantly, will Haliburton’s girlfriend spiral out again if Indiana falls behind big time?
For now, one thing is certain: The Pacers’ playoff journey has transcended the court and has been accented by full “WAGs War Cry” mode, courtesy of Jones.
