NBA Finals 2025: Thunder vs. Pacers – 7 Key Plays
- The NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder has become a best-of-three series after four tightly contested games.
- Oklahoma City controlled much of Game 3, but indiana rallied with a strong fourth quarter.
- Through four games, only six points separate the two teams, raising the possibility of the first Game 7 since the 2016 clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden...
The NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder have become a heated best-of-three series, with both teams deadlocked at 2-2. This article dives into the primary_keyword dynamics, highlighting seven key plays that have defined this thrilling postseason battle.From strategic defensive adjustments to offensive innovations, uncover how the Pacers are disrupting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game while the Thunder counter with their own strategies. News Directory 3 brings you in-depth analysis of crucial moments,including shot clock violations and impactful fouls.Learn about the crucial player matchups and shifting momentum. Discover what’s next for these two titans.
NBA Finals: Pacers,Thunder Head to Furious Best-of-Three
Updated June 16,2025
The NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder has become a best-of-three series after four tightly contested games. The teams have traded wins, resulting in a 2-2 tie.
The Pacers and Thunder have also alternated winning styles. Oklahoma City controlled much of Game 3, but indiana rallied with a strong fourth quarter. In game 4, the Thunder returned the favor with a comeback victory of their own.
Through four games, only six points separate the two teams, raising the possibility of the first Game 7 since the 2016 clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
— Zach Kram (@zachkram) June 16, 2025
In Game 3, the pacers intensified a favored tactic: disrupting shai gilgeous-Alexander’s pick-and-roll game. After the Thunder adjusted their screening tactics in Game 2, Indiana focused on denying Gilgeous-Alexander the ball.
Data analysis showed Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s MVP candidate, brought the ball up on 61% of possessions through Game 2. Though, under Indiana’s pressure in Games 3 and 4, that number plummeted to 30%.
During Game 3, andrew Nembhard prevented gilgeous-Alexander from receiving the inbounds pass after Indiana’s first basket, disrupting Oklahoma City’s offensive initiation.
The Thunder average 122 points per 100 half-court possessions when Gilgeous-Alexander brings up the ball, compared to 107 when he does not, according to GeniusIQ. While limiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s ball-handling could conserve his energy for crucial moments,it also highlights how Indiana’s defense has challenged Oklahoma City’s usually potent offense.
Game 4: Shot Clock Violation
— Zach Kram (@zachkram) June 16, 2025
Oklahoma City’s offensive struggles were evident in a Game 4 possession. After a timeout, Alex Caruso brought up the ball due to Nembhard’s defense on Gilgeous-Alexander. A near-turnover and stifled isolation attempt led to a shot clock violation.
The Thunder’s reliance on one-on-one scoring, rather than team playmaking, has been striking.Their three lowest-assist games of the season occurred in this series: 11 assists in Game 4,13 in Game 1,and 16 in Game 3. This contrasts sharply with their regular-season average of 27 assists and their pre-Finals playoff average of 25.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander did not record an assist in Game 4, a rarity for him.
game 4: Nesmith Fouls Gilgeous-Alexander
— Zach Kram (@zachkram) June 16, 2025
While Aaron Nesmith defended Jalen Brunson effectively in the Eastern Conference finals, the Pacers prefer Nembhard to guard Gilgeous-Alexander. Nembhard has guarded Gilgeous-Alexander on 187 possessions in the Finals, compared to 119 for the rest of the Pacers combined.
Data indicates Gilgeous-Alexander scores more points per matchup against non-Nembhard Pacers, including Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner.
What’s next
With the series tied, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for a decisive best-of-three to conclude the 2024-25 season.