Thunderstruck! Did the Pacers Just Reveal the NBA Finals Playbook?

What Key Plays from Thunder-Pacers Game 1 Tell Us About the NBA Finals Going Forward

Oklahoma City – The Indiana Pacers delivered a stunning 111-110 comeback victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. But what exactly unfolded at Paycom Center, and what does it signify for the remainder of the series?

The Pacers rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, showcasing resilience and clutch play. While the Thunder appeared dominant early on, forcing turnovers and leveraging their MVP, the Pacers remained within striking distance.

After re-watching the game, several crucial moments and strategic elements emerged:

• Aaron Nesmith's tenacious perimeter defense
• Rick Carlisle's innovative play-calling
• The impactful contributions of Lu Dort and Alex Caruso

However, let's zoom in on 10 pivotal plays that illuminate why the Pacers triumphed and what strategic questions lie ahead for both teams in Game 2 and beyond.

1. Andrew Nembhard Misses a Free Throw (5:38, Second Quarter)

This play foreshadowed rebounding struggles for the Thunder. Nembhard's rebound tap-out led to a Pascal Siakam bucket. It emphasized Siakam's strong performance and the Thunder's ongoing issues on the boards. The Pacers ultimately had 13 offensive rebounds.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Bricks 3-Pointer (4:48, Second Quarter)

Despite forcing 19 Indiana turnovers and holding the Pacers to 45 first-half points, the Thunder's offense faltered. They missed numerous shots near the rim and settled for suboptimal jump shots. The absence of Isaiah Hartenstein, their best screener, hindered their ability to create open looks for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

3. Andrew Nembhard Makes a Layup (5:33, Third Quarter)

This play highlighted Chet Holmgren’s struggles. Holmgren's defensive positioning was inadequate, allowing Nembhard an easy layup. Holmgren finished 2-of-9 from the field with no assists and was a non-factor protecting the rim and on the glass.

4. Bennedict Mathurin Blocks Jalen Williams (4:42, Third Quarter)

Bennedict Mathurin's monster block on Williams showcased his impact despite limited playing time. Williams shot 6-of-19 overall. The play highlighted Williams' struggles as a secondary offensive weapon and the need for more offensive consistency from him.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Jump Shot (3:54, Third Quarter)

This play, facilitated by a solid screen from Hartenstein, resulted in an easy basket for Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder shot poorly from inside the arc, making only 41.2 percent of their 2-point attempts. Hartenstein's involvement in pick-and-roll plays proved effective, underscoring the need to increase his role in Game 2.

6. Myles Turner Hits a 3 (7:44, Fourth Quarter)

Hartenstein's defensive lapse, losing track of Myles Turner at the 3-point line, led to his removal from the game. The Thunder were wary of Hartenstein getting isolated against Tyrese Haliburton. Hartenstein's struggles guarding the perimeter ultimately limited his playing time.

7. Chet Holmgren Misses Driving Shot at Rim (4:41, Fourth Quarter)

This missed shot contributed to Holmgren's benching. After being denied the inbound pass, Holmgren attacked the basket against Turner but failed to convert. The Thunder opted for a smaller lineup for the final minutes.

8. Alex Caruso’s Lane Violation (3:07, Fourth Quarter)

Alex Caruso's lane violation on a Pascal Siakam free throw proved costly, giving the Pacers an extra point. The absence of Hartenstein, the Thunder's best rebounder, contributed to the violation. Siakam missed the first free throw, and Caruso stepped in early, resulting in the critical point.

9. Pascal Siakam Blocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (1:06, Fourth Quarter)

Siakam's block on Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the limitations of the Thunder's small lineup. With no realistic lob option for Gilgeous-Alexander, Siakam was able to make the defensive play. This emphasized the potential benefit of including a bigger player like Kenrich Williams in the closing lineup.

10. Tyrese Haliburton Pulls Up for Win (0.3 seconds, Fourth Quarter)

Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning shot sealed the Pacers' comeback. Despite a defensive breakdown, where Lu Dort failed to pick up Haliburton, and Cason Wallace didn't pressure him effectively, Haliburton capitalized and delivered the decisive blow. Carlisle deserves credit for not calling a timeout and letting Haliburton work against a scrambled defense.

Despite the loss, the Thunder can draw positives from the game. They dominated significant stretches, made fixable errors, and have tactical adjustments to explore. However, they squandered a lead and face increased pressure to win Game 2. The way the two teams adapt and address these questions will determine the series' trajectory.

While the Thunder entered the series as overwhelming favorites, Game 1 serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the NBA Finals. Game 2 is now a must-win, and the pressure is on to respond decisively.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6409065/2025/06/07/thunder-pacers-takeaways-nba-finals-game-2/