Thunder in a Bind After Game 3 Loss to Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — Following a tough 116-107 defeat to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City Thunder’s general manager Sam Presti appeared troubled. This loss puts the Thunder, who were expected to clinch the championship, in a precarious position as they now trail the series 2-1.
The Thunder, led by coach Mark Daigneault, took the loss particularly hard. In addressing the performance, Daigneault remarked that it was "uncharacteristic" of his team and acknowledged that the Pacers simply outplayed them. "The turnovers were uncharacteristic," he noted, pointing out that the Thunder committed 19 turnovers, just shy of their season high. "I give them credit. I thought they played really well."
The Pacers’ effectiveness came largely from their style of play. Their fast-paced offense made it difficult for the Thunder to establish their usually strong defensive presence. Daigneault explained that Indiana’s quick offense created challenges in applying appropriate pressure. "Just the pace of their offense was sharper than our pressure and physicality," he said.
A notable disappointment for the Thunder came from star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled particularly in the fourth quarter. Despite being recognized as the league’s Most Valuable Player, he attempted only three shots and recorded no assists during this decisive period. Gilgeous-Alexander remarked on the Pacers’ performance, stating, "It felt like they won all the 50/50 plays. They executed on both ends of the ball. When you give those two things up, especially on the road, you’re probably going to lose."
Coach Daigneault reiterated this theme, stating that the Thunder were unable to maintain control. "Their overall tone was better than ours for the majority of the game," he explained. He highlighted how the lack of execution contributed to their defeat, adding, "We made one too many mistakes."
Adding to the Thunder’s woes, they missed seven of their 30 free-throw attempts. Daigneault could only emphasize that it was an "uncharacteristic night" for his squad.
The pressing question now is why Oklahoma City seemed out of sorts. The stakes of the game were undeniably high, yet the Thunder did not come forth with the level of aggression needed to match the Pacers. Previous successful strategies were not enough, as the Pacers largely remained consistent in their defensive tactics.
Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out that the Pacers’ defense altered their offensive rhythm. "They were above the screen," he noted, suggesting that improved execution in setting up plays could have provided them with a better angle. Recognizing this hurdle, he acknowledged that "who throws the first punch" often dictates the outcome.
Despite Oklahoma City’s challenges, they have faced similar situations in earlier rounds of the playoffs. Forward Jalen Williams shared that this felt like a pivotal moment but remained optimistic, saying, "We’ve been in that exact same kind of predicament. We’ll take what we learned and run with it."
However, the Finals are a different beast, as echoed by veteran player Alex Caruso, who noted the unique weight of this experience. "You’re probably just slightly more frustrated with it," he stated. "You just put in so much effort not to come away with a win when you have a chance to."
While the youth of the Thunder has been discussed as a possible reason for their struggles, it’s worth mentioning that the Pacers are not devoid of inexperience either. Their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, is also quite young, which underscores that both teams are navigating unchartered waters.
Interestingly, the pressure on the Thunder seems much greater. With the weight of an impressive regular season, they are not just expected to perform; they are also facing the expectations that come with being one of the league’s top teams. The Pacers, meanwhile, appear to be playing more freely, unburdened by the same level of expectation.
Looking ahead, the Thunder must recalibrate their game for Game 4 in Indiana, where the pressure will only intensify. Historically, teams winning Game 3 tend to have greater success in the series, and should the Pacers win again, the Thunder’s chances of coming back will diminish significantly.
Coach Daigneault emphasized the importance of learning from this loss, saying that returning to their core identity will be essential for success in the next game. "If we do that, I think we’ll have a much better chance to win," he stated. But if they are once again outplayed, the Thunder could find themselves in an alarming situation. As the stakes continue to rise, the team faces a daunting challenge ahead.
