OKC Thunder - One Win Away From History

The Oklahoma City Thunder earn their first-ever championship with a win on Thursday.

However, it will be far from an easy task. The Indiana Pacers are also looking for their franchise’s first-ever title, and backed by their most loyal fans in what will be an absolutely rockin’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they will do whatever they can to force a Game 7. The biggest storyline of the game is the health and readiness of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. After suffering a calf strain in Game 5, he is questionable for Game 6. Even if he does play, how effective can he be?

Keys to the Game – OKC

Stopping TJ McConnell – As silly as it sounds, TJ McConnell is arguably the Pacers’ most important player right now. With Haliburton’s injury, McConnell needs to continue to be elite for Indy. That’s why it’s crucial that OKC finds a way to slow him down. He dropped 18, 4, and 4 last game—which isn’t crazy—but he disrupted the Thunder both offensively and defensively all night. They need to find a way to neutralize him.

Bench Help – Just like in Game 5, Oklahoma City’s bench success will dictate the team’s success. Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins went a combined 7-for-11 from three, which is very unlikely to happen again—especially on the road—but if they can knock a few down, that would go a long way. Alex Caruso was a menace on the defensive end, per usual, but his offense was a bit under par. Road players typically play worse on the road, but the Thunder need theirs in this one.

Start Fast – If the Thunder can win the first quarter by 10+ points, that will quiet the crowd and demoralize Indiana. They cannot let Indy win the first quarter, because everyone knows how hard it is to pull off a comeback on the road—especially in the playoffs. Yes, the Thunder did it in Game 4, and the Pacers do it all the time, but it is definitely not something you can count on.

Don’t Let Them Get Hot – When the Pacers are shooting the ball well, they are lethal. Allowing them to start feeling it early by knocking down a few threes will certainly make it much more difficult for OKC. They need to get out on shooters ASAP, and their rotations need to be as fast as a bullet to eliminate those corner threes that the Pacers are so deadly with.

Keys to the Game – Indy

Tyrese Haliburton – The biggest (and most obvious) factor to Pacers’ success on Thursday is their leader, Tyrese Haliburton. He played one of his worst games of the season in the most important game of the season. He did suffer a right calf strain, and currently, he is listed as a game-time decision. The Pacers need him. If he doesn’t play, it will certainly be much more difficult to beat this elite OKC team. Even if he does play, he likely won’t be as effective as he normally is, as demonstrated in Game 5. But if any team can pull off a win without their star, it’s the Indiana Pacers.

Role Players – With Tyrese being out or playing through an injury, there’s never been a time this team needed their role players more than now. They’re gonna need Toppin, Mathurin, Nesmith, Nembhard, and obviously McConnell to be locked and loaded. If they don’t show up, there is no chance Indiana pulls this off. It’s the biggest game of their careers. Time to see if the lights are too bright.

Defense – After a poor defensive showing in Game 5, Coach Carlisle needs to make some adjustments. I don't care how tired his guys are—they need to be full-court pressing SGA and JDub all game. Nesmith had a very poor night last time out, letting Williams drop 40 on his head. Nembhard was good, slowing Shai down to only 9-for-21 from the field, but he needs to be draped all over him Thursday night. If the Pacers can hold OKC to fewer than 100, they’ll be in great shape. If not—considering the Thunder’s historic defense and the fact that Haliburton won’t be 100%—it’ll be a long night for the Pacers.

Mental – This game will test the focus and mental strength of every player on the court. It is absolutely critical that the Pacers don’t let their emotions get too high or too low, no matter what happens. The Thunder are great at that, and we know they will be focused for all 48 minutes. They can’t think about how their season is over if they lose, and they can’t think about how they’re one win away from being champions if they win. They can’t feel pressure to deliver in front of their home fans, or that their best player needs them to carry him. We haven’t seen them in an elimination game yet this postseason—just focus on playing basketball.

Prediction

This is the biggest game in the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Both teams will come to play, and both teams will give it their absolute 100%. The Pacers will have the arena on their side (besides me), and all the energy will be pouring into them. However, the Thunder outmatch the Pacers in every way, and they want to end this. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will cement his legacy with one of the greatest seasons in history, Jalen Williams will continue his elite play, Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort will play the best defense of their lives, Alex Caruso and the bench will do absolutely anything to get his second ring, and most of all, the entire fanbase will do anything to support this team. The boys are ready to bring it home.

I predict the Oklahoma City Thunder will become NBA Champions on Thursday night.

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