The Indiana Pacers will need all hands on deck to win Game 3, including star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who recently dismissed any concerns about his injury status.
Everyone knew it would be a tough series for the Pacers. The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best defense in the league, and they’ve shown it throughout the playoffs. OKC is averaging nearly 11 steals per game (10.9) and has a defensive rating of 105.2 — the best in the NBA this postseason, indicating how many points they allow per 100 possessions.
In comes Tyrese Haliburton, looking to spoil the Thunder’s party. After delivering another insane game-winner in Game One, Haliburton looked to continue his magical play in Game Two.
The Thunder responded in the next game and managed to keep him in check. The Pacers guard finished with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. He also recorded six assists for the second straight game — below his season average of 9.2 per game.
The Thunder pulled away for a 123–107 win, and now the series shifts to Indiana, where the Pacers will try to hold serve at home. Haliburton appears to be battling through something though. He was seen walking with a noticeable limp after the Game 2 postgame press conference. He has said though that he is fine and will be playing in Game Three.
At this point in the season, it’s understandable that Haliburton may be feeling the effects of the season. He logged the most minutes on the Pacers, averaging 33.6 per game. Facing such a physical defense — combined with a potential injury — is certainly no small matter.
Many were surprised to see the Pacers reach the Finals, but after knocking off the Cavaliers and Knicks, they’ve proven they belong. No lead is too big for Indiana to overcome — and OKC is just the latest team to learn that lesson. Game One was a classic Pacers win: down double digits in the fourth quarter, fans had seen this movie before. Indiana stormed back, and Haliburton hit the game-winner as the Pacers stole a 111–110 victory.
The Thunder’s defense, however, is absolutely suffocating. They’re relentless, never giving opponents a moment to breathe when they have the ball.
Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort are the main catalysts, but everyone on the roster contributes. There’s a reason the Thunder are heavy favorites in this series. The Pacers might be able to steal a win at home, but that’s likely as far as it goes. The Thunder are simply too good — primed and ready to take control of the series.
The Indiana Pacers have had a fantastic postseason, with Tyrese Haliburton stealing the show. But can he steal a few more games to bring a title to Indiana? The Thunder certainly hope not.
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