NBA Finals Game 3: Crucial Adjustments for Pacers & Thunder Revealed!

The NBA Finals have kicked off with two exciting games. The Indiana Pacers made a dramatic finish in Game 1 with Tyrese Haliburton hitting a decisive jumper just before the buzzer, securing their only lead of the game at 0.3 seconds left. On the following Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded fiercely, establishing an early advantage and maintaining it throughout the game, unlike their previous performance.

The initial game offered more competition than the second, yet both provided high-quality entertainment. These early games in the series typically allow teams to gauge each other’s strategies and dynamics, setting the stage for the tactical plays that will unfold as the series progresses. The lessons learned from Game 1 and Game 2 will significantly influence the strategic adjustments in Game 3 and the games that follow.

Adjustments were indeed made after the first game. The coaches have been actively refining their strategies even before the series began. However, it is Game 3 where major, more impactful changes are expected as both teams strive to secure a victory or fend off defeat. Both the Pacers and Thunder have been diligently analyzing data and reviewing gameplay to pinpoint these crucial adjustments.

As the Finals move to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, here are a couple of strategic shifts each team might consider for Game 3 and beyond.

Indiana Pacers

Encourage Tyrese Haliburton to be More Assertive Offensively

Haliburton often prioritizes facilitating over scoring due to his exceptional passing abilities and court awareness. While this is typically an advantage, there are crucial moments where Haliburton should opt to shoot, particularly when the team needs a boost or to diversify their offensive threat. Recognizing these opportunities has been a challenge for him, often choosing to pass rather than score. This tendency was notably detrimental in Game 2 and was a significant factor in the early deficit faced by the Pacers in Game 1. The correlation between Haliburton’s shooting attempts and Pacers’ victories underscore the importance of him looking for his shots.

Throughout the regular season, the Pacers had a record of 24–9 when Haliburton took 15 or more shots. This trend has continued into the playoffs, with the team winning 8 out of 9 games when he meets or exceeds this shooting threshold. Conversely, their four losses occurred when he did not reach this mark. Haliburton’s scoring not only contributes directly to the scoreboard but also opens up passing lanes as defenders are drawn to guard him closely.

However, the challenge is greater against the Thunder. OKC’s defense, under Mark Daigneault, has effectively neutralized the Pacers’ primary strategies involving Haliburton, shutting down their high pick-and-roll and dribble handoffs that allow Haliburton to attack at full speed. These tactics were stifled in Game 2, and only after Pacers coach Rick Carlisle explored deeper into his playbook did Haliburton find some room, scoring 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter.

To counteract OKC’s disciplined defense, Haliburton must take the initiative to shoot more frequently and the Pacers need to devise new methods to create the necessary space for him to operate effectively.

Reduce Turnovers

The Pacers must also focus on minimizing turnovers if they hope to win three out of the next five games. The Thunder have successfully forced 40 turnovers across the first two games through various defensive tactics. They have been adept at stealing the ball as Pacers players drive to the basket and disrupt their setups even before they are fully formed. This aggressive defense has been a spectacle of skill and coordination, frustrating Indiana’s ball handlers.

Despite the challenge, the Pacers need to find a way to hold on to the ball. The Thunder led the league in forced turnovers this season, a testament to their defensive strength. This means that simply being cautious with the ball isn’t enough against such a formidable opponent. Indiana needs to maintain focus and discipline at all times to avoid turnovers.

The Pacers have been averaging 20 turnovers per game in the Finals, a significant increase from their regular season average of 10.5. This spike is not just a testament to the Thunder’s defensive prowess but also a call to action for Indiana to sharpen their handling and awareness. They must protect the ball more effectively in the paint and be mindful of lurking defenders. Improving ball security is imperative for their success moving forward.

While turnovers are sometimes inevitable, particularly against a team like OKC, reducing them is crucial. A turnover rate of 20% is simply too high to secure further victories in this high-stakes series.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Continue to Utilize Isaiah Hartenstein

Since joining the Thunder as a free agent, Hartenstein has brought considerable versatility and flexibility to the team, especially in his ability to play center. His awareness on the floor allows him to take on physically demanding roles or partner with Chet Holmgren, helping to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. His rebounding prowess is particularly valuable in the postseason, though his slower speed can sometimes be a liability on defense. However, his strategic positioning and rebounding contribute positively overall.

Coach Daigneault initially hesitated to use Hartenstein against the Pacers in Game 1, given their fast-paced play and Haliburton’s knack for exploiting slower defenders. This decision seemed reasonable, but it resulted in the Thunder being outrebounded significantly. The absence of Hartenstein, who is a key rebounder, likely contributed to this shortfall.

While the Thunder’s rebounding stats are decent, ranking 11th in the regular season and 5th among playoff teams, they struggle with allowing offensive rebounds. They ranked 23rd during the regular season in this aspect and have performed even worse in the playoffs. In Game 1, they allowed the Pacers 13 offensive rebounds, which was a significant factor in their loss. The reintroduction of Hartenstein in Game 2 helped address this issue as he played 22 minutes, was a +17, and grabbed eight rebounds, effectively clearing space under the basket and holding his own on defense.