Thunder-Pacers Game 6: Five Things to Expect

That kind of defensive masterclass was missing in the first four games of the series. In fact, the Thunder took advantage of that with 32 points off turnovers in the win. They initially found the same groove in the closing minutes of Game 4, and carrying it over to Game 5 is a good sign. This just means that the Thunder may have finished figuring out the Indiana puzzle that had them shocked early on.

With a championship in sight, OKC is definitely going to leverage this defensive identity in a crucial Game 6. Indiana has found no success trying to deploy their own full-court press defense as it has led to a lot of quick buckets for the Thunder, which just means that the Pacers need to figure out this return of a factor that makes Oklahoma City the juggernaut they are known for.

Expect the Thunder to force more fumbled dribbles, dives for loose balls, clogged passing lanes, and provide more physical defense as they hope to close this out.

2. A Potential Lineup Change for the Pacers

What the Thunder vs Pacers Game 6 presents is a chance for Indiana to make the best adjustment possible. That includes shifting through the rotation and find out what works and what doesn’t. In fact, there have been multiple times that TJ McConnell has provided the best spark for the team in their games. As much as he’s been good, McConnell ended up just logging nearly 22 minutes of action in the Game 5 loss.

In a game where he scored 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting to keep the Pacers in the game, that has got to give him the opportunity for more playing time. McConnell is the heart and soul of the Indiana bench. To be fair, he should be running more minutes than Obi Toppin. The big man was -16 (team-worst) in Game 5, and shot 1-of-5 from three, whereas McConnell is being more efficient and impactful.

If anything, McConnell should be the first man off the bench for the Pacers. He serves the same role as Alex Caruso – an energetic menace who can also score. McConnell will have a big role in helping Indiana survive. For that to happen, he needs more minutes in the Thunder vs Pacers Game 6 battle.

3. A Response From Chet Holmgren

While Game 5 was about the masterclass performances of Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren‘s play in the NBA Finals has been quite confusing. Holmgren is averaging 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in these NBA Finals. However, he is shooting just 37.3% from the field, and a depressing 14.3% from three.

He’s had some good games in the series. Holmgren was phenomenal on the defensive end in Game 5 with three blocks and a lot of strong contests, but struggled to play well on the offensive side. In fact, Holmgren has scored more points on the road in this series than at home (in one less game). It would be even a larger margin if Game 5 wasn’t included, where he finished 4-of-15 for nine points.

Still, OKC doesn’t win games without Holmgren. One can say that it is his impressive presence on the floor and spacing that has helped OKC win games. If the Thunder are going to clinch the title on the road, expect to see Holmgren playing with the fluid aggressiveness that he usually has on the floor. After all, he’s still one of the most impactful players in the game.

4. Pacers Relying on Siakam’s Experience

Experience is going to be a discussion in the Thunder-Pacers Game 6 clash. Indiana has won its only Game 6 this postseason, and OKC has lost in its one and only Game 6. Pascal Siakam, however, is expected to be the one carrying the Pacers to push for one more game. After all, he has the most valid NBA Finals experience of all players in the series. Being a second option to Kawhi Leonard in the 2019 run by the Toronto Raptors should be a factor here.

Siakam is looking like the only Pacers player who has been comfortable in these Finals. Spicy P is averaging 20.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 47.1% shooting. At this point, Indiana is definitely going to lean on his poise and confidence to will them to stave off elimination.

In that Game 5 loss, Siakam still dropped elite numbers of 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists. We all know that he’s been capable of exploding much as Tyrese Haliburton does, and they are going to need that from him now more than ever.

5. Elite Star Performances on the Rise

Just how great it is to see two elite stars in J-Dub (playoff career-high 40 points) and SGA (31 points, 10 assists, 4 blocks) erupt for massive performances in Game 5? Well, it just sets the bar for Game 6, on the road with a chance to win the title in hostile territory. That’s just how high the stakes are at this point for OKC’s star duo.

However, Haliburton’s health concerns need to be clear right now – whether you’re hurt or not, you’ve got to give it all for your team. Hali didn’t seem to have that in mind when he had a stinker of four points on 0-of-6 shooting in the Game 5 loss. In fact, he’s now had as many turnovers in the Finals as he had in the last two series at 20. That is an absolute sign of struggle, and not being able to make shots hurt as well.

Statistically, Haliburton plays better at home – at least by a small margin in scoring, but a considerable difference in shooting percentage. At this point, we can expect the top stars from both teams to give all they’ve got. It is a Game 6 – a chance to win it all for one, and a chance to survive for the other.

Who Will Have the Last Word in Game 6?

Right now, history sides with the Thunder to finish the job – either in Game 6 or in 7. After all, there are a total of 49 teams that have been in a 3-2 situation in the NBA Finals, and 40 of those teams went on to win the championship. That is an 81.6% win rate.

Still, the Pacers have been battling against all odds in the playoffs. They’ve shattered records and upset multiple fanbases – even shocking experts and analysts alike. If there’s one thing to consider, it’s that Indiana is no stranger to adversity as is Oklahoma City.

Both teams will have their chance to grind out a historic finish. This may well be the final game for the Pacers at this point. Or if the basketball gods give us a spectacle – OKC can close it out at home in Game 7.