Indiana’s potent offense struggles against Oklahoma City Thunder’s relentless defense in the 2025 NBA Finals
INDIANAPOLIS — After the first two games of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers face their toughest playoff challenge yet, as their once-dominant Eastern Conference offense has been stifled by the league’s top-ranked defense of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Alarming Stats for the Pacers
The Pacers, who averaged an impressive 119.7 points per 100 possessions through the first three playoff rounds, have seen their scoring plummet to just 109.3 points in the first two Finals games—a dismal figure that would rank them 28th out of 30 NBA teams in the regular season. Even more concerning, the Pacers, previously ninth in points from drives to the basket and 11th in points in the paint, have been completely smothered in these areas by the Thunder’s suffocating defensive strategy.
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Chet Holmgren Reveals Defensive Blueprint
“We start by pressuring the ball before it even crosses halfcourt, cutting off transition scoring opportunities to set up our defense,” Thunder center Chet Holmgren shared during practice ahead of Game 3. “Disrupting their offensive sets—whether it’s screens or slips—allows us to control the game and make it harder for them to get to the rim.”
Pascal Siakam: Thunder’s Primary Defensive Target
Pascal Siakam, who earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors with stellar performances against the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks, has become the focal point of the Thunder’s defensive scheme. Thunder defensive specialist Alex Caruso expressed respect for Siakam’s versatile offensive game.
“He’s been incredibly efficient in the playoffs—both with catch-and-shoot threes and creating his own shots in the midrange,” Caruso said of Siakam. “At 6’8 or 6’9 with a long wingspan, when he gets near the basket, he finishes exceptionally well, has great physicality, and often draws fouls.”
Troubling Statistical Drop for Siakam
The contrast in Siakam’s performance between the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals is stark and troubling for the Pacers. After averaging 24.8 points on 17.5 shots per game against the Knicks (with 52.9% field goal accuracy and 50% from three), Siakam has dropped to just 17 points on 13 shots per game against the Thunder. Notably, he’s converted only 12 of 20 shots in the restricted area and 2 of 6 from beyond the arc, with a mere 37.5% success rate on drives to the basket.
Thunder’s Comprehensive Defensive Strategy
Jalen Williams, a member of the All-Defensive Team, alongside Caruso, has been instrumental in containing Siakam, though Williams emphasized the team effort. “I don’t feel the burden of guarding him alone because defense is a team job,” Williams explained. “I just focus on making things tough for him, and my teammates have my back when I get beat,” he added with a smile, “though you try not to get beat too often.”
Tactical Challenges for the Pacers
Head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the need for bolder adjustments to counter the Thunder’s defense. “You can’t play cautiously against Oklahoma City, or you’ll never score,” Carlisle stated. “We have to attack more aggressively.”
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton echoed the need for versatility in their approach. “You have to keep switching things up—you can’t show them the same plays or approach,” Haliburton said. “If you run high pick-and-roll all game, they’ll lock in, clog the paint, and leave no room to operate.”
Opportunity for a Home-Court Revival
Heading into Game 3 at home, the Pacers are banking on rediscovering the offensive firepower that dominated the Eastern Conference. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault remained cautious about his team’s ability to sustain their defensive dominance. “I don’t assume containing Siakam is a done deal at this point—they’re back home, and both Siakam and Haliburton will come out determined,” Daigneault warned. “They play exceptionally well on this court.”
Game 3: A Pivotal Moment
Game 3 promises to be a critical turning point in the series, as the Pacers must prove they can adapt to the Thunder’s stifling defense. If the Thunder maintain their defensive intensity from the first two games, they stand a strong chance of regaining home-court advantage and seizing control of the race for the 2025 NBA Championship.
“This is a tough job, but if you want to win, you have to get it done,” Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said with fierce determination regarding the challenge of defending Siakam.
With the creativity and tactical acumen of head coach Rick Carlisle—whom Haliburton praised as a “basketball genius”—the Pacers are hopeful they can crack the Thunder’s defensive wall and regain their offensive rhythm in this crucial Game 3.