NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Thunder – The Series Heats Up
In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, an experienced scout from the league sent a concise message: “This is the first game that feels like a Final.” The series arrived in Indiana tied 1-1, thanks to the brilliant performance of Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers in the first game. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated for most of the first two games. But Game 3 changed the dynamic.
Fueled by their fans, the Pacers secured a well-deserved 116-107 victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. For the first time, the NBA Finals truly feel like a competitive series. The Pacers outperformed the Thunder in several aspects. Haliburton, after a couple of discreet performances in Oklahoma City, shone with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists, showing all his talent at the crucial moment. The Pacers’ bench was also fundamental, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring 27 points and T.J. McConnell contributing 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. The Pacers won without relying excessively on three-pointers, something that was expected to be key to winning in this series. In Game 3, the Thunder outscored the Pacers in three-pointers, but Indiana imposed their game. The Pacers had already overcome teams like Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks, with epic comebacks in each series. In Game 3, the Thunder committed 19 turnovers, including six by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers made it difficult for the Thunder’s pivot, Chet Holmgren, which led to uncomfortable possessions for Oklahoma City. A 32-18 run in the final quarter sealed Indiana’s victory, leaving the team two wins away from their first NBA championship.Mathurin explains his preparation
The Pacers needed more offense in Game 3, and they found it on their bench. Mathurin and McConnell led a 47-point explosion from the bench. Haliburton improved his game, with 22 points and 10 assists, but the combined energy of the bench changed the course of the game. Mathurin scored 25 points, the most for a bench player in a Final since 2011, while McConnell added 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Holmgren had a good first quarter, but then his performance declined. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault will have to make important decisions for Game 4. How will he adjust his rotation? Can Oklahoma City’s stars handle a heavier workload? The Pacers have proven to be a tough rival, and the Thunder need answers for the next game.Game 2: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
The question in Game 2 was how the young Oklahoma City team would respond to the Game 1 loss. The Thunder offered a resounding response, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with a stellar performance. Chet Holmgren also made an early impact, and coach Mark Daigneault made effective adjustments. The Thunder controlled the Pacers’ offense, and Gilgeous-Alexander had an exceptional performance.MVP SGA leads the Thunder offenseGilgeous-Alexander proved his worth in Game 2, scoring 34 points with great efficiency and dishing out eight assists. It’s difficult to beat the Thunder when Gilgeous-Alexander plays at this level.The Pacers need Haliburton to find his rhythmThe Thunder’s defense limited Haliburton’s production in the first two games. The Pacers need Haliburton to be more effective in their offense, especially in Indiana, where the team will look to maintain control of the series.Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
In the first 47 minutes of Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander outperformed Tyrese Haliburton. However, in the final seconds, Haliburton and the Pacers turned the tables. Haliburton scored a crucial basket to give the Pacers the victory with 0.3 seconds remaining. The Pacers, who never led until that moment, took the victory from Oklahoma City. The Thunder forced 24 turnovers from the Pacers, but Indiana scored 18 three-pointers and found a way to win. Haliburton was decisive once again.The Thunder need a consistent defenseThe Thunder’s defense dominated the first half, but the Pacers reacted in the second, scoring 66 points and Haliburton made the winning shot. The Pacers committed fewer turnovers in the second half.A new guide for Pacers’ comebacks: reducing turnoversThe Pacers, known for their comebacks, secured another victory in the final quarter, fueled by accurate three-pointers and good ball handling. Haliburton sealed the victory with another important shot.
