Game 3 Review
Heading to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, the series is tied at two games apiece. The Thunder are still the heavily favored team, so Indiana has nothing to lose. Going into Game 3, OKC came out from the jump with Chet and Jalen Williams scoring 11 points in total in the first few minutes. The Pacers had put all their energy into starting by heavily covering Shai, causing him to be scoreless until the start of the 2nd quarter. On the offensive end, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner were getting it done to start with quick layups and midranges off the mismatch. The X factor in this game, however, was Benedict Mathurin, providing 27 points off the bench to provide a spark for Indiana’s offense when the starters were seated. Haliburton was playing incredible on both sides of the ball, as he was one rebound short of a triple-double. The Pacers' offense was firing on all cylinders and needed the win in Game 3 to shift the momentum to them in the series, but will they be able to keep up this level of play going on in the series?
Summary/Plan for Game 4
If I am Rick Carlisle, I am focusing on using a similar defensive strategy for Game 4. The primary offensive weapons are Shai and Williams, who can score with ease. Put guards such as Haliburton and Nembhard on them, as they can keep up with their first step and have the height to contest shots. If they do get that first step, have your bigs like Myles Turner and Obi Toppin to collapse and either make them take a contested shot or kick out for a three. The three-ball will be open on those opportunities, but any team would rather give up a three than an easy layup. This game also demonstrated that the key role of the bench players was what enabled Indiana to stay in the game. Mathurin’s 27 points and McConnel’s four steals set the tone regarding Indiana’s offensive and defensive depth. Haliburton should be given the green light to control the ball a whole lot more and to take more shots. The same can be said about Pascal Siakam. A large number of times, they are in a mismatch on offense and able to get to their spot for a midrange or blow by for a layup. These quick points will give Indiana the spark that it desperately needs in this series to take down a well-rounded Thunder team. The Thunder, even though losing at the final whistle, did not have a bad game. Shai, Williams, and Chet all scored above 20 points and only lost by single digits. What shifted the tide were Indiana’s bench players playing like all-stars and OKC giving away the ball sloppily, leading to points scored off the breakaway. The Thunder need to focus on giving Jalen Williams the ball more, as he is incredible in isolation scoring and is the best 2nd option to go to when Shai gets sent a double team. Keep sending Chet inside for points in the paint, as he will get a hard dunk or be fouled at the rim for two free throws. This series is now becoming a mental game, and which team wants their first ring more? Who is going to dive for the loose ball, or who is going to sprint down the court for a chase-down block? Let’s see if this energy continues in Game 4!