2025 NBA Finals 7 Burning Questions That Will Decide It All!

7 Biggest Questions Shaping the 2025 NBA Finals

The NBA Finals are upon us, and for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, it's the ultimate exam before summer. The beauty of this test? They already know the questions. The path to the Larry O'Brien Trophy hinges on how these two teams answer them.

Here are the seven crucial questions that will define this year's championship series:

1. How will the Pacers slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

Let's be realistic: shutting down this season's Kia MVP and scoring champion is likely impossible. Indiana's best hope is to *slow* him down.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has been a force of nature. Consider these facts:

• Averaged at least 30 points against 22 of 29 teams.
• Shot better than 50% against 21 of them.
• In two games against the Pacers this season, he averaged 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 55.6% from the field.
• Nailed 7 of 11 three-pointers and 21 of 23 free throws against Indiana.

His drives to the basket might necessitate defensive strategies typically reserved for the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While SGA doesn't rely on brute force, his ability to slice through the lane and create high-percentage shots and and-1 opportunities is uncanny. The Pacers might need to build a wall of bodies to push him towards the mid-range and beyond.

2. Will Tyrese Haliburton be able to be his best self?

Tyrese Haliburton is the Pacers' engine, but he can be prone to inconsistent performances. In Game 5 against the Knicks, New York's defense successfully disrupted him by pressuring him earlier in the shot clock. The Thunder's superior defense will likely employ a similar strategy. Haliburton must effectively find his shooters, who need to convert at a high rate to alleviate the defensive pressure on him. The fewer defenders impeding his progress in transition, the better his chances of dictating the game's tempo.

3. Who has the size advantage (and does it matter)?

The Thunder boast a bigger starting lineup, featuring Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, a legitimate 7-footer. The Pacers counter with Myles Turner, a 6-foot-11 veteran who stretches the floor with his three-point shooting. Pascal Siakam, at 6-foot-8, is Indiana's next tallest starter. Coach Carlisle has used Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley to combat opponents' size advantages throughout the playoffs. Holmgren and Hartenstein form a cohesive tandem for the Thunder, excelling at cleaning up around the rim and controlling the defensive boards.

4. Who are the X-factors for each side?

For the Pacers, Andrew Nembhard emerges as a potential difference-maker. While Haliburton and Siakam need to be consistent, and Turner and Nesmith are known quantities, Nembhard has elevated his defense this season, particularly against Jalen Brunson in Game 6. He's likely to draw the primary assignment against Gilgeous-Alexander, and if he can contribute offensively, he could offset a significant portion of the Thunder guard's scoring output. For the Thunder, Alex Caruso brings championship experience and relentless energy on defense. He also provides sneaky offensive contributions, averaging 13.2 points and 3.0 steals per 36 minutes this season.

5. Is depth overrated at this stage of the season?

Not when both teams possess impressive depth. Both Carlisle and Daigneault have consistently utilized nine players averaging over 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. While Finals rotations often shrink to seven or eight players, the value of bench players who excel in their roles cannot be overstated. Players like Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard address specific needs for their respective teams. A deeper bench allows starters to stay fresher and reduces their workload, making injuries the primary factor that could shorten these teams' rotations.

6. Who has the edge: Carlisle or Daigneault?

This is a clash of coaching styles. Rick Carlisle, a seasoned veteran with a championship under his belt (2011 with Dallas), brings a wealth of experience. Mark Daigneault, the reigning Coach of the Year, has cultivated a strong rapport with his core players. Carlisle boasts a regular-season record of 993-960 (.536), ranking 11th all-time in victories, and a playoff record of 83-83. Daigneault, with a regular-season record of 211-189 (.528), ranks 93rd in winning percentage, but his playoff record of 18-8 (.692) is second all-time. The edge here is a matter of preference: experience versus a coach who has grown alongside his players.

7. What’s better: A great offense or a great defense?

The Finals will showcase a fascinating battle between contrasting styles. The Pacers prioritize pace and scoring, while the Thunder emphasize physical defense. While neither team is weak on either end of the court, their identities are rooted in these respective strengths. In today's NBA, where physicality is embraced, the Thunder's aggressiveness and assertiveness may prove to be the deciding factor.

Ultimately, this NBA Finals matchup promises to be a captivating chess match, filled with strategic adjustments and individual brilliance. Buckle up, basketball fans, because we're in for a treat!

Source: https://www.nba.com/news/7-key-questions-for-2025-nba-finals