The Indiana Pacers spent days preparing for the Oklahoma City Thunder`s aggressive defense ahead of the NBA Finals. However, this preparation seemed insufficient in Game 1, especially in the first half, where they committed a staggering 20 turnovers. This was a historically poor performance in ball security and highly uncharacteristic for a team that reflects the style of its low-turnover playmaker, Tyrese Haliburton. Facing the Thunder`s pressure, particularly on their home court, brought noticeable nerves.
“I was a little jittery in the first quarter, getting off the ball quick, flying off ball screens with no real set-up,” Haliburton admitted. “I felt that myself… so I’m sure other guys felt that way.” He noted the difference between playing fast, which Indiana prefers, and being rushed, which is what OKC`s early pressure caused.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault explained their defensive approach: “It`s never our endgame to, like, turn them over. It`s really about disruption.” This disruption sometimes forces turnovers, while at other times it leads to rushed shots or poor decisions. The Pacers experienced both, with passes intercepted and drives ending in crowded defenders. Coach Carlisle described the Thunder`s defense as “a menace,” saying his team “too often took it into crowds.”
Indiana trailed 57-45 at halftime. Despite the numerous turnovers, Oklahoma City had only scored nine points off them and shot poorly (37%). “Not the end of the world,” Carlisle told his team, acknowledging they were “right there.”
In the second half, Indiana found its composure, drastically reducing turnovers to just five. This improved ball security (a 10.4% turnover rate) allowed them to cut the deficit and eventually steal the win (111-110). Tyrese Haliburton made the legendary game-winning shot, but his impact extended beyond scoring; he played smart, not forcing action when doubled, and trusted teammates like Andrew Nembhard.
Nembhard emerged as a crucial contributor in the comeback, making vital plays late in the game, including important baskets and setting up teammates. The Pacers` victory wasn`t just a result of Haliburton`s heroics but a balanced team effort where all starters scored in double figures, showcasing their depth. As Thunder forward Jalen Williams put it, this balance “makes `em good” and a “more dangerous team when everybody’s involved.” Pacers maintained their style, hitting big shots down the stretch.
While Indiana found its offensive rhythm after a rough start, the Thunder now face the challenge of improving their attack. Despite forcing many turnovers, they didn`t capitalize efficiently. Coach Daigneault noted they “didn’t get the kind of juice for that squeeze that we normally do.”
OKC`s offensive struggles in Game 1 weren`t entirely new; their playoff 3-point percentage (34.2%) and halfcourt offense had been shaky, often masked by winning the possession battle. In Game 1, they scored 106.8 points per 100 possessions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points, but other key players like Williams and Holmgren were less effective or involved. They got into the paint but struggled to finish, shooting only 20 of 37 at the rim and 3 of 17 from floater range. Daigneault stressed the need to “finish stronger” and “be stronger with the ball.”
Coach Daigneault views Game 1 as a “starting point,” with “a lot of things we can improve on” before Game 2. The Pacers agree, acknowledging that winning despite 25 turnovers “is not the recipe to win.” Haliburton added, “We can’t turn the ball over that much. We gotta do a better job all over the floor.” However, as he concluded, in the playoffs, “it doesn’t matter how you get ‘em, just get ‘em.”
Jasper Hawthorne