This includes a riveting NBA Finals, as the exciting, inexperienced Oklahoma City Thunder take on the tough, yet talented Indiana Pacers in Game 3. After an explosive introduction to the series, it’s all even as the two teams head into game three. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance at home positions the Thunder as a formidable opponent, while the Pacers seek to regain momentum following their miraculous comeback in Game 1.
In a Wonder Woman-themed game, the Thunder showed their bounce-back ability with a dominant 123-107 win. Gilgeous-Alexander was the tip of the spear on offense, pouring in 34 points to go with eight dimes and five boards. His impressive home average of 34.2 points per game (PPG) sets a high bar for the Pacers, who must develop a strategy to contain him in this critical matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring ability has been on full display all playoff long, especially in home games where he’s flourished. His unmatched road performance, averaging 25.8 PPG in away games this season, poses an entirely different challenge for Indy. He has gone over 34.5 points in just one of his five road contests. This most likely means he goes unanswered at home but is significantly more manageable outside the home.
On Indiana’s side, Pascal Siakam should prove to be a huge difference maker. Siakam as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP! He’s due for a big game and should be able to crack at least 20 points on a shaky Thunder defense. The Pacers will need all his experience and talent on their side to lift them back to the series’ advantage.
Unsigned Q2 Alex Caruso has turned out to be another huge player in the success of the Thunder. He’s been amazing all season long! He had his over 9.5 points in each of the seven games he has played over 27 minutes. Caruso surpassed the point threshold in each of the first two games of the series. If he’s given enough playing time, he’s poised to maintain that scoring streak!
Injury Updates Impacting Game Strategies
Injuries could be the biggest factor in deciding Game 3. The Thunder will be without Nikola Topic, who is out due to a knee injury. His absence will certainly hurt Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive schemes, placing further burden on Gilgeous-Alexander and Caruso.
Likewise, the Pacers are in great distress with Jarace Walker and Isaiah Jackson both out at least through Thanksgiving due to injuries. Walker’s ankle sprain and Jackson’s Achilles injury have cost two of Indiana’s most important contributors. This latest development creates an opening for others to increase their leadership and shine. It’s a rocky path, but that rocky path could create openings for new stars on either side to come in and shake things up.
Looking Ahead
With Game 3 just around the corner, both teams know what’s at stake. The Thunder will try to ride their home-court advantage and Gilgeous-Alexander’s shot-making to a 2-1 series lead. On the other hand, the Pacers will need to prove they can survive without their injured dudes and that Siakam is worth all the hype.
Leave a Reply