Pacers vs Thunder: Upset Path & Game 2 Analysis | NBA Finals
- The Indiana Pacers' NBA Finals hopes hinge on their ability to hit 3-pointers against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- In the series opener,the Pacers launched 39 three-point attempts,accounting for over 47% of their total shots.
- Though, in Game 2, Indiana's 3-point strategy faltered. The Thunder capitalized, winning 123-107 and leveling the series at 1-1 before heading to Indiana for Game 3.
Teh Indiana Pacers’ NBA Finals fate depends on their three-point shooting accuracy against the Oklahoma City Thunder. News Directory 3 reveals how their stunning Game 1 victory, clinched with a late fourth-quarter surge, was heavily influenced by their success from beyond the arc. Analyzing Game 2, we see how the Thunder quickly responded, adjusting their defense and neutralizing Indiana’s outside game. The primary keyword, “3-point shooting,” is essential, as is the secondary keyword, “NBA Finals.” With Oklahoma City’s strong defense posing challenges and the Pacers’ inability to penetrate the paint consistently, their ability to sink shots from outside becomes paramount. Discover what’s next as Game 3 unfolds in Indiana.
Pacers’ 3-Point Barrage a Key to Contend With Thunder
Updated June 09,2025
The Indiana Pacers‘ NBA Finals hopes hinge on their ability to hit 3-pointers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their Game 1 victory, a 111-110 thriller fueled by a 15-point fourth-quarter comeback, underscored this point. Indiana sank 18 shots from beyond the arc,six more than their playoff average.
In the series opener,the Pacers launched 39 three-point attempts,accounting for over 47% of their total shots. This marked an increase from their regular-season rate of 40% and exceeded their average against the New York Knicks in the conference finals by eight attempts.
Though, in Game 2, Indiana’s 3-point strategy faltered. The Thunder capitalized, winning 123-107 and leveling the series at 1-1 before heading to Indiana for Game 3. The Pacers connected on 14 of their 3-point shots at a 35% clip, but the Thunder matched them, nullifying Indiana’s advantage.
The Pacers must win the 3-point battle as the thunder hold advantages in other areas. Oklahoma City boasts superior size, an elite one-on-one scorer, and a historically strong defense. Experts largely favored the Thunder entering the series,anticipating they would limit the Pacers to a single win.
Oklahoma City’s defense makes it challenging for Indiana to penetrate the paint. When the Pacers manage to get inside,the Thunder swarm with multiple defenders,disrupting their shots and passes.
Through the first two games, Indiana has been outscored by 24 points in the paint. This trend is highly likely to persist, as the Pacers struggle to consistently create advantages off the dribble and into the paint, forcing them to compensate from beyond the arc.
Pascal Siakam passed out of the paint to Aaron Nesmith, whose shot was blocked by Shai gilgeous-Alexander.
What’s next
If the Pacers can consistently make their 3-point shots and limit the Thunder’s success from beyond the arc,they stand a chance to compete in the series. Game 3 in Indiana will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain this strategy and regain the series lead.