Three statistical trends that continue to impact the NBA Finals

In the lead-up to the NBA Finals, we highlighted key numbers that could determine the outcome of the Thunder versus Pacers series. Three games in, many of those trends persist.

110 remains the magic number 

Entering the Finals, the Thunder were 10-0 when holding teams to under 110 points, and the Pacers were 12-0 when reaching the threshold (0-4 when they couldn't). In Games 1 and 3, Thunder allowed Indiana to score 111 and 116 points, respectively, and lost. In Game 2, they conceded 107 points and secured a win. Pacers are now 14-0 when they score 110 in the playoffs. Keep your eyes peeled on the number the rest of the series.

Pacers are 20-1 when Hali shines

Tyrese Haliburton, a pass-first point guard, doesn't always prioritize scoring, but the Pacers are nearly unbeatable when he does. In Game 3, he made a concerted effort to score from the onset, finishing with 22 points and 11 assists. As a result, Indiana improved to 20-1 this season (including playoffs) when he tallies at least 20 points and 10 assists. You'd best believe the Thunder are aware of this stat and will try to limit his impact in Game 4.

Pacers improve to 9-1 in nail-biters 

If the games are tight, it's advantage Pacers. Entering the Finals, Rick Carlisle's men were 7-1 in games decided by five or fewer points in the final five minutes of playoff games. They've now improved to 9-1 in clutch situations. Remarkably, they've scored 145.7 points per 100 possessions in the clutch, showing the ability to score in a flurry to land knockout blows. OKC should be wary about games going down to the wire. 

Honorable mention: With their win on Wednesday, the Pacers improved to 9-0 after a loss since March 10. If the Thunder win Game 4, they'd have to buck a four-month trend to claim a 3-2 lead. The Pacers last lost back-to-back games to the Hawks and Bulls (March 8-10).