Thunder and Pacers Battle for Finals Control in Indianapolis
Series Tied as NBA Finals Return to Circle City After 25 Years
The NBA Finals shift to Indiana for Game 3 with the series knotted at one game apiece, marking the first Finals contest in Indianapolis since June 16, 2000. Both teams are seeking to establish a crucial advantage as the series progresses.
Echoes of Past Finals Appearances
Indiana last hosted a Finals game when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2000 championship series, 120-87. Despite the victory, the Lakers ultimately clinched the title on their home court. A similar scenario unfolded in 2001, when the Philadelphia 76ers upset the Lakers in Game 1, only to see Los Angeles dominate the remaining four games and secure their second consecutive championship.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, favored throughout the playoffs, dropped the series opener in Indiana thanks to a last-second shot from **Tyrese Haliburton**, but responded with a decisive 123-107 victory in Game 2. The Pacers now aim to reclaim home-court advantage.
Exploiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s Bench Time
A key to the Pacers’ success hinges on capitalizing on the minutes when Thunder star **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** is on the bench. Analytical tools demonstrate a significant difference in team performance with **Gilgeous-Alexander** on and off the court. The Thunder have been 16.7 points better per 100 possessions with their MVP in the game, falling to a still-impressive 5.2-point advantage when he rests.
Indiana must exploit this disparity, attacking the Thunder’s offense when **Gilgeous-Alexander** is sidelined. They outscored Oklahoma City by four points during his 8:26 of bench time in Game 1, a pattern they need to replicate consistently. According to StatMuse, the Thunder are 11-3 when **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** scores 30+ points in a game this postseason. StatMuse
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivers an efficient gem while an unaggressive Tyrese Haliburton struggles on both ends of the court. https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2024
Haliburton’s Need for Aggression
The Pacers need more assertive play from **Tyrese Haliburton**. While a pass-first point guard, **Haliburton** must find ways to impose his will on the game. He has finished each of the first two Finals games with 13 shots, scoring 14 and 17 points respectively.
When **Haliburton** scores at least 20 points in a playoff game, the Pacers are 7-1. When he scores less than 20, they are just 6-4. Increasing his shot attempts and drawing fouls—he has yet to attempt a free throw in the Finals—will be crucial.
Holmgren’s Versatile Defense
**Chet Holmgren**’s defensive impact extends beyond rim protection. The Thunder’s 7-foot-1 center effectively switches onto smaller guards, utilizing his length to disrupt shots without needing to play too close to the attacker. He and teammate **Isaiah Hartenstein** provide strong interior defense, allowing **Holmgren** to roam and contribute across the court.
The Impact of Fouls
The Pacers believe Oklahoma City has benefited from favorable officiating, receiving more foul calls and free throw attempts. Through the first two games, the Thunder have been called for 39 fouls, shooting 57 free throws and making 50. Indiana has committed 47 fouls, shooting 47 free throws and converting 34. This 16-point advantage from the free-throw line is significant, considering Oklahoma City has outscored Indiana by only 15 points overall.
The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Pacers’ passionate fanbase could influence the officiating in Games 3 and 4, potentially leveling the playing field.