The 2025 NBA Finals thread - OKC vs Indy - louder, deeper, faster

[Chism]

For all the talk of OKC's depth/roster spread, it quite literally came down to SGA or bust.

On the flipside, no one on the Pacers had more than 20 points.

We have depth and Mathurin not getting many minutes is a luxury off the bench. Seriously dont think people saw this improvement of Nembhard as well.

Miles Turner is our weak link at C but hopefully we can cover for him and Chet and Hartenstein were both quiet.

 

[SportsCentre]

Over the years, they speak of the greats having an iconic finals moment.
Haliburton producing such "a moment" in Game 1 gives the series so much more depth

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

For all the talk of OKC's depth/roster spread, it quite literally came down to SGA or bust.

On the flipside, no one on the Pacers had more than 20 points.

SGA or bust is exactly what OKC wanted though so not too sure it’s a massive negative. What’s been lost so far is Indianas strong rebounding game. Every player on the court can pull down boards at a high level for the spot they play. I think rebound won Indiana the game so should be the main focus and not SGA shot production

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Winning a Finals game on the road with a -18 turnover differential is absolutely insane

Deceptive stat as OKC only got 11 points of those turnovers. Quite a few of those turnovers were scrappy and deep in the paint so they didnt lead to any fast breaks. Toppins brainfaded aside Indiana held the ball well above the 3 pt line and in the key and only gave the turnovers up at times they then had momentum to get back and defend right away

I imagine the turnover difference continues the whole series as its just a result of how each side is playing

 

[stewie griffen]

NBA teams were 0-121 when down by 7 or more points in the final 3 minutes of regulation in the NBA Finals over the last 28 postseasons.

They are now 1-121.

 

[Scythe]

This call is so good lol

 

[stewie griffen]

 

[stewie griffen]

Tyrese Haliburton is 6-for-7 (85.7%) when taking a shot to tie or take the lead in the final 90 seconds of the 4th or OT this playoffs.

 

[X_box_X]

Driver instructors in Indianapolis are now reminding their students to place their foot on the Haliburton when changing gear.

 

[hamG]

So by this metric DeAndre Ayton > Michael Jordan. No argument possible.

 

[stewie griffen]

So by this metric DeAndre Ayton > Michael Jordan. No argument possible.

Jordan didn't need clutch time

 

[peternorth]

Pacers are deep and ferocious. Haliburton knows no one is tipping them and uses it as motivation. Pacers in 6

DOING IT FOR GENE HACKMAN

 

[Chism]

I love Hali to death but he is no Reggie!

The Malice at Palace fiasco with Ron Artest cost em the championship that year IMO. Hopefully we win our first now but OKC will rebound hard. Still 1/1 going back home i would of taken all day if it was offered to me.

 

[Son of Skeletor]

Said during the Denver series that crunch time offence is the one chink in the Thunder armour. They're good offensively, but they're not great, despite how difficult SGA is to guard. If you can keep it close, you're a chance.

Indy showed a lot of moxie to stick around within 8-12 points when a lot of teams would have just been blown out. Loved that Rick Carlisle didn't call a timeout on that final play too.

 

[Satan]

Said during the Denver series that crunch time offence is the one chink in the Thunder armour. They're good offensively, but they're not great, despite how difficult SGA is to guard. If you can keep it close, you're a chance.

Indy showed a lot of moxie to stick around within 8-12 points when a lot of teams would have just been blown out. Loved that Rick Carlisle didn't call a timeout on that final play too.

Trusted the process

 

[PowerfulPies2023]

Oklolhoma

 

[peternorth]

 

[stewie griffen]

 

[mumblingpie]

What the mofo Haliburton

 

[FreoRicci]

Say what you want but Caruso is such a liability for OKC in playoffs. Just doesn’t have anything. Feel like he’s a tad overrated due to him being white. Giddey would’ve been such a difference. Hopefully OKC still win, but the guard position is a weak point. I’d imagine they’ll be trading for that spot any way in the off season

 

[fidstar]

Say what you want but Caruso is such a liability for OKC in playoffs. Just doesn’t have anything. Feel like he’s a tad overrated due to him being white. Giddey would’ve been such a difference. Hopefully OKC still win, but the guard position is a weak point. I’d imagine they’ll be trading for that spot any way in the off season

Weird take. OKC are +9pp 100 possessions better when he's on the floor compared to when he's off during the playoffs.

 

[peternorth]

Say what you want but Caruso is such a liability for OKC in playoffs. Just doesn’t have anything. Feel like he’s a tad overrated due to him being white. Giddey would’ve been such a difference. Hopefully OKC still win, but the guard position is a weak point. I’d imagine they’ll be trading for that spot any way in the off season

Interesting view. Would Giddey have secured the win for OKC? How would he have been a difference?

Caruso offers defensive abilities and is part of a good bench mob. I don’t think Giddey would come off the bench.

 

[srobbo]

NBA teams were 0-121 when down by 7 or more points in the final 3 minutes of regulation in the NBA Finals over the last 28 postseasons.

They are now 1-121.

Indy has flipped the script on so many of these longstanding stats in this playoffs I’ve lost count.

Will win it from here.

 

[stewie griffen]

Indy has flipped the script on so many of these longstanding stats in this playoffs I’ve lost count.

Will win it from here.

Is there anything more certain than an okc blowout win in g2

 

[peternorth]

Indy has flipped the script on so many of these longstanding stats in this playoffs I’ve lost count.

Will win it from here.

Is there anything more certain than an okc blowout win in g2

Game 2 could really go either way