In the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers face a significant challenge as they contend with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have been the heavy favorites throughout the series. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle characterized stopping the Thunder as “daunting,” acknowledging their historical success and the presence of an MVP in their ranks.
As the series shifts focus to Game 6, the Pacers now trail 3-2 after two consecutive losses, marking their first time facing such adversity in the postseason. The team needs to win both remaining games to avoid elimination. Despite their fourth seed, the Pacers have shown they belong on the championship stage, closing the regular season on a strong note after a rough start.
Stars Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated their prowess during Game 5, combining for an impressive 71 points. The Thunder, one of the few teams with a historic 68-win season and a formidable defense, seem to be finding their rhythm after adjusting their strategy. Key to this was reintroducing Isaiah Hartenstein as a primary screen-setter, allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to leverage his abilities against Indiana’s defense effectively.
The Thunder collected 23 points off turnovers in Game 5, capitalizing on transition opportunities, and improved their three-point shooting to a more favorable rate, which had been a struggle earlier in the playoffs. Coach Mark Daigneault expressed confidence in the team’s potential for further improvement, suggesting that they can elevate their performance even more.
Despite the uphill battle, the Pacers have proven resilient, giving their fans hope that they can bounce back and force a Game 7. The series is a testament to the competitive spirit of playoff basketball, with the potential for thrilling moments yet to come. The determination of both teams adds to the excitement of what lies ahead in this Finals matchup.