Game 3, First Quarter: Ben Sheppard Steals from Jalen Williams

The Pacers took one of their favorite tactics to the extreme in Game 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's pick-and-rolls have set the stage for a delightful game-within-a-game in the Finals. The Pacers harried him in Game 1, so Oklahoma City tweaked its screening tactics in Game 2, setting more picks high up the court to open space for the league MVP. Indiana responded by denying Gilgeous-Alexander the ball, significantly reducing his involvement in the offense.

Game 4, Third Quarter: OKC Commits a Shot Clock Violation

Facing a growing deficit, Oklahoma City called a timeout to regroup. However, their plan failed as Indiana's defense forced a shot clock violation. This possession illustrates Oklahoma City's sudden lack of offensive flow, relying heavily on tough one-on-one scoring rather than rhythmic playmaking as a team.

Game 4, Fourth Quarter: Aaron Nesmith Fouls Gilgeous-Alexander

Indiana prefers Andrew Nembhard to guard Gilgeous-Alexander, but the Thunder geared their offense toward shifting Nesmith onto him in the fourth quarter of Game 4. This strategy produced excellent results, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring the most points in the last five minutes of a Finals game since 1971.

Game 1, First Quarter: Pascal Siakam Makes a Layup

Indiana's first made field goal of the Finals showcased one advantage for the Pacers: Siakam's ability to overwhelm smaller defenders on the block. His performance has forced Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to change his game plan, reinserting Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting lineup for Game 4.

Game 4, Third Quarter: Nembhard Makes a 3-Pointer

The Thunder allowed the most corner 3s this season, and the Pacers have taken advantage. Indiana's hot shooting from the corners has granted them 14 more 3s overall, or 42 extra points from beyond the arc.

Game 3, First Quarter: Obi Toppin Makes a Layup

This bucket highlights the absence of Indiana's open-court verve, which defines their offense. Transition play has accounted for only 11% of the Pacers' chances against Oklahoma City, significantly lower than in previous rounds.

Game 2, Second Quarter: Indiana Loses the Ball Out of Bounds

Tyrese Haliburton's effectiveness in isolation has declined against Oklahoma City. Several of his failed isolations came as Indiana's offense stalled down the stretch of Game 4, setting the stage for a furious best-of-three to finish the 2024-25 season.