Official 2025 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Strategic]

Hali can’t get past Chet in the crunch

[skin27]

Haliburton is jow out of lucky damn shots

[ace3g]

3:07 - 4th





1
2
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4
T


IND
20
25
31
22
98


OKC
29
28
28
21
106

[ace3g]

2:52 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
23
99


OKC
29
28
28
22
107

[ace3g]

2:14 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
26
102


OKC
29
28
28
23
108

[ace3g]

1:40 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
29
105


OKC
29
28
28
23
108

[ace3g]

1:22 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
31
107


OKC
29
28
28
25
110

[ace3g]

24.8 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
33
109


OKC
29
28
28
25
110

[skin27]

Thats was a foul

[Spurs Homer]

Gotta love this pacers team…

sure hope mitch johnson and wemby are taking notes: 48 minutes of relentless effort…

[Strategic]

Big call

[mystargtr34]

That’s a foul but not enough to overturn in this stage of the game

[ace3g]

0.3 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
25
31
35
111


OKC
29
28
28
25
110

[Spurs Homer]

Yup

[skin27]

Damn haliburton haha

[ace3g]

Hali!!!

[Strategic]

Lololololol

[Death In June]

Damn, what an ending

[Spurs Homer]

I knew these front runners would not feel so cocky if they were put against the wall…

[timtonymanu]

Ohh shit Hali! I screamed that from my living room

[skin27]

This pacers team is really a comeback kings

[mystargtr34]

What the actual fuck hahahahah

[Spurs Homer]

Rick carlisle is the one that got away from the spurs…

[cd98]

Haliburton isn't a superstar?

[Dod01]

Clutchiburton

[ace3g]

Haliburton

https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUyNjh2amEzd2t4emlsaXEzcXl5dWtybmx yOXljdXMwMG9xeHNhZDhzNyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjd D1n/9wGjpl8z1CJ5m/source.gif

[mystargtr34]

How can 0.3 be enough for a catch and shoot. Barely got time to fuckin blink in that time.

[mystargtr34]

I’m in shock tbh.

[Spurs Homer]

Front runners


knew it!

[Spurs Homer]

I like that the pacers have hung tough…

this game was a good experience for them and they will steal game 2

although i would love for them to steal this one…still have time

[Robz4000]

We getting a 7 game series y'all.

[mystargtr34]

Chit Holmgren with a 6-6 on 2-9 shooting

[timtonymanu]

RefKC :lol

[lefty20]

Da fuq just happened?

Indy was down 9 with 3 mins left when I left work.

[timtonymanu]

7 straight road wins is impressive as fuck

[tbdog]

They had 16 less shots than the thunder and won.

[Strategic]

Miles Turner kinda underrated

[spursistan]

Coaching still fuckin matters in the playoffs :lol

Rick Carlisle officially takes "best coach in the league" belt back from Spo with this amazing post-season run..

[cutewizard]

Hahaha the Pacers won

[scottspurs]

What a finish. I almost turned the game off twice. Was mostly uninterested. The game itself was not that great but the finish made up for all that. Pacers team is fun to watch. I still think the thunder win the series but maybe game 2 can convince me otherwise.

[ginobilized]

With the 11th Pick of the 2020 Draft the Spurs select someone other than Tyrese Haliburton.......it still hurts.

I've been watching the NBA since the 1970's, I don't recall someone hitting this many game winning shots nor a team with so many comebacks.

Dagneault is bad at challenges and the Thunder are bad at shooting in the 4th. Pacers have a real chance here.

[skin27]

Same thing happened in game 1 against the kinicks

[mystargtr34]

Miles Turner kinda underrated

Homeless man’s Wemby

[mystargtr34]

25 turnovers to 7 and still winning is wild.

[baseline bum]

Jesus Christ. I mean Thunder still winning this in six but damn I haven't seen a team as hard to kill since the Shaq and Kobe Lakers who would always steal games they had no business winning in the end.

[scottspurs]

The Thunder might go on an incredible and inevitable run in the nba over the next several years but if they have a weakness it’s definitely athletic lengthy forwards. Guys like Siakam. I know the rockets gave them trouble during the regular season with all their athletic size. Spurs could be a problem for them with Wemby in theory.

[SpursFan86]

Still pretty confident OKC wins this in 6 but holy shit, have to give Indiana credit for continuously pulling out these absolutely bat shit wins :lol Say whatever you want about Haliburton but dude has some massive cojones.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1930824946667643165

[scottspurs]

Pacers lost the turnover battle 24-6 lmao! You would have thought they lost this game by 40 if you only saw that stat.

[Jordan Jackson]

Told you Rick Carlisle was dangerous. You can’t just show up and expect to win. OKC thought the Pacers would just roll over and hand them that championship. Good luck with that.

[Mnky]

Been saying the Pacers would have a great shot at upsetting the thunder. I don't understand the infatuation people have with the team. They barely made it through Jokic. They faced a horrible Timberwolves team that shot like 10% from 3 for a period of multiple games. The Timberwolves would not have been there if curry is healthy.

The thunder got gifted the easier path and never seemed dominant. The pacers had a much more difficult path and overcame it time and time again. Pacers have the champion experience on their roster and the better coach.

Pacers were my pick as soon as Curry went out. Knew it was a longshot but the thunder just don't impress me at all. They had every reason to win today with the calls, turnover, and momentum and found a way to lose.

Rooting for the Pacers. Not surprised they took one in OKC. If they take two, then I think it's a wrap. I think it's very possible they shoot and handle the ball much better next game. I expect the refs to settle them down in okc's favor next game though.

[Mnky]

The Thunder might go on an incredible and inevitable run in the nba over the next several years but if they have a weakness it’s definitely athletic lengthy forwards. Guys like Siakam. I know the rockets gave them trouble during the regular season with all their athletic size. Spurs could be a problem for them with Wemby in theory.

Castle had great games against them too. They struggle with speed as the small two PG lineup showed tonight. Fox will tear them up and finish much better than the Pacers can. Add KD to the mix and I don't see how people keep saying the spurs wouldn't beat the thunder in a series.

[Mugen]

I believe tbh

[poopbox]

I said Pacers in 6...maybe 5.

Tonight was a perfect example why. OKC controlled the entire game...except for the last 5 minutes. And they loss.

The pacers have won multiple games blowing teams out. They have won multiple games almost blowing a big lead but hanging on to it. They have won multiple games coming back from big deficits. They have won multiple games when the game was close for 48 minutes. Name any basketball situation you can think of and this pacers team has at least 2 playoff wins in that situation.

They are hands down the best offense the thunder have played in the playoffs and it's not even close.

[Robz4000]

OKC has been a mediocre road team these playoffs tbh. If the Pacers, who have been a good road team, can steal another game...

[Mr. Body]

Without Shai, OKC is not a great team, and even with him they start foul baiting when they should just be playing.

[RC_Drunkford]

And people say getting KD won‘t make us contenders…

[Robz4000]

Hopefully OKC blows this series and sells the farm for Giannis imo. They'll win the next two rings but will significantly shorten their window.

[Mr. Body]

And people say getting KD won‘t make us contenders…

It's an interesting time for the league. The old guard is nearly done. There are no high end contenders, with only OKC really looking the part (so far). There hasn't been a repeat champion since the Warriors were able to steal Durant by way of a freak jump in the cap (and his cowardice).

It's wide, wide open.

[Mr. Body]

Hopefully OKC blows this series and sells the farm for Giannis imo. They'll win the next two rings but will significantly shorten their window.

What would the Thunder have to give up? J-Will, Chet, picks? I don't see what else they have that Milwaukee would want.

[scottspurs]

Pacers out rebounded the thunder by 17. Rebounding matters. Something the Spurs need to fix this offseason. Pacers stay in the game despite losing turnover battle 24-6 because they dominated the boards.

[Robz4000]

What would the Thunder have to give up? J-Will, Chet, picks? I don't see what else they have that Milwaukee would want.

J-Dub and most of their picks tbh. Not sure how much the Bucks value Chet with his injury history.

[lefty20]

Stolen from a reddit post.

The Thunder had 18 fewer turnovers. OKC took 3 more FTs. They took 15 more shots within 4 feet of the rim. Committed 3 fewer fouls. Had a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter. And still lost.


There is only one explanation for this, Devil Magic.



1930832359214964805

Pacers must've called the Stl Cardinals, tbh.

[scott]

Truly generational run of clutchitude by the Pacers and specifically Halliburton these playoffs.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Another awesome game these playoffs.

I can’t understand why Daigneault had to change his starting lineup and adjust before the series even began. It’s bad from a psychological standpoint and it takes away one of his adjustments/options. If he brings him back to the starting lineup now it’ll be an admission of mistake just one game in. Bad coaching tbh.

[Robz4000]

Another awesome game these playoffs.

I can’t understand why Daigneault had to change his starting lineup and adjust before the series even began. It’s bad from a psychological standpoint and it takes away one of his adjustments/options. If he brings him back to the starting lineup now it’ll be an admission of mistake just one game in. Bad coaching tbh.

Was my immediate thought before the game tbh. Can't be understated how much Indy has the coaching advantage.

[TDomination]

Pacers out rebounded the thunder by 17. Rebounding matters. Something the Spurs need to fix this offseason. Pacers stay in the game despite losing turnover battle 24-6 because they dominated the boards.

this this and this

we talk about Durant this and Giannis that, but if we don’t shore up our rebounding, we won’t get too far

[Robz4000]

Spurs' rebounding issues are mostly coaching imo.

[RC_Drunkford]

It's an interesting time for the league. The old guard is nearly done. There are no high end contenders, with only OKC really looking the part (so far). There hasn't been a repeat champion since the Warriors were able to steal Durant by way of a freak jump in the cap (and his cowardice).

It's wide, wide open.

exactly, which is why it make sense for the Spurs to hit the switch and immediately become one of the contenders, without mortgaging the future.

[LeBowen]

Thunder managed to disrupt the Pacers and cause a huge number of turnovers, but Pacers are way better at punishing them with open corner 3s, Nuggets and TWolves had weak links that could be left open, Pacers don't.
We'll see how G2 goes, if Thunder stomp them they're still the favorites.

I'll say it again, but I wouldn't give Chet the max, embarrassing performance.

[spursgu]

Been saying the Pacers would have a great shot at upsetting the thunder. I don't understand the infatuation people have with the team. They barely made it through Jokic. They faced a horrible Timberwolves team that shot like 10% from 3 for a period of multiple games. The Timberwolves would not have been there if curry is healthy.

The thunder got gifted the easier path and never seemed dominant. The pacers had a much more difficult path and overcame it time and time again. Pacers have the champion experience on their roster and the better coach.

Pacers were my pick as soon as Curry went out. Knew it was a longshot but the thunder just don't impress me at all. They had every reason to win today with the calls, turnover, and momentum and found a way to lose.

Rooting for the Pacers. Not surprised they took one in OKC. If they take two, then I think it's a wrap. I think it's very possible they shoot and handle the ball much better next game. I expect the refs to settle them down in okc's favor next game though.

yes! I did a look around in this thread and not surprised it’s the usual suspects overrating this Thunder team. The Thunder can still win the championship but it doesn’t mean the pacers don’t have a shot. The nuggets were really bad yet the Thunder struggled against them for a reason.

[skin27]

Basketball gids is on the pacers side, they might win it all.

[Dex]

Amazing finish to the game. Hali definitely kept the receipts on that "overrated" survey.

I still have OKC winning in 6, but a lot of people were already bringing out the brooms and this guarantees we got ourselves a series.

[ace3g]

Pacers have the mental battle advantage now.

I'm sure after Bucks, teams probably thought, that won't happen to us. Then Cavs and Knicks' series happened...

Thunder are probably thinking "how big of a lead is safe?"

[spursparker9]

I rather Pacers win the title rather than OKC

[Dex]

I rather Pacers win the title rather than OKC

Same. I wouldn't mind if OKC wins, but after all our battles over the years (and the fact they stole a team from Seattle), I'm rooting for the Pacers.

[Ice009]

Can’t wait to watch the documentary on Toppin throwing the 2025 Finals because he bet the house on OKC

Any particular reason for this comment? Has he been rumoured to point shave or something.

Also, just watched the game and as I said a few days ago, I give the Pacers a chance because of Rick Carlisle as I thought he's a great coach. Having said that, I should have also said Haliburton too. The whole Pacers team is playing hard, but Hali has been clutch as a mofo. All you guys that said the Spurs should take him when the Spurs pick was up and he was still on the table, well, looks like you guys were right on that call.


Told you Rick Carlisle was dangerous. You can’t just show up and expect to win. OKC thought the Pacers would just roll over and hand them that championship. Good luck with that.

Yes man, you said it a few days ago and I agreed/said the same thing.

[ginobilized]

Pacers are a dangerous, deep and well-rounded team. Carlisle is outreaching everyone. Their big man and guard rotations are tough. OKC might be 2 big bodies away from winning this.

One weird thought that popped into my head in the Knicks series is how many points has TJ McConnell scored and how many points have the Pacers outscored their opponents by? I'm too lazy to do the math, but, it feels like the 2 numbers might be related. He has been ridiculously efficient in these series. Seems to score at will within 30 seconds, or less, of entering the game. Also seems like a guy that you need to seriously account for and the Thunder didn't get that memo. Though not realistic, it feels like if you stop his easy buckets, you win.

I'm not sure that Daigneault has the ability to keep up with, much less dictate, the adjustments and story arc to put OKC in a position to win. Game 2 should be very telling. I'd be studying the hell out of the game 2 tapes of the Knicks series if I'm OKC. The basketball gods are smiling on the Pacers.

[TD 21]

Daigneault is another arrogant, smug, flavor of the month, too caught up in trying to be some modern, trendy genius to burnish his reputation and overcoaching.

Even if it's obvious you'll have to shapeshift your rotation to a particular matchup, you never change your starting lineup entering a series, especially as an overwhelming favorite.

Psychologically, you tell both teams that what you've done isn't going to be good enough, when it more than likely would have been.

From inexplicably giving fringe-deep bench players cameos to playing his at worst third best player 24 minutes to closing with micro ball, particularly against a team with two quality bigs (even if neither are "bruiser" types) is absurd.

He deserved for them to get bludgeoned on the glass and lose.

[lefty20]

1930889950226264454

Lisan-Al-Halib

[Mnky]

yes! I did a look around in this thread and not surprised it’s the usual suspects overrating this Thunder team. The Thunder can still win the championship but it doesn’t mean the pacers don’t have a shot. The nuggets were really bad yet the Thunder struggled against them for a reason.

Struggling against Jokic without a head coach or team was wild.

The paris games showed me two things this year, the Pacers actually have a very balanced team. People sleep on their defense which is actually really good. They have guys who want to play defense and they have defensive anchors looking to make a play.

It also showed me Wemby can absolutely be a superstar type player who can win a game on his own.

We got to get Wemby to the playoffs next year.

[Mr. Body]

The Pacers' actual depth and conditioning let them keep after teams. OKC is more top heavy than we think, or at least so far. Dag needs to shorten the rotation but has to keep his guys fresh somehow.

They're still in the driver's seat. They had the Pacers dead but couldn't finish the job.

[R. DeMurre]

Pacers lost the turnover battle 24-6 lmao! You would have thought they lost this game by 40 if you only saw that stat.


Indiana had the better 3 pt% (46.2 vs 36.7), the better TS% (60.8 vs 50.7), more rebounds (56 vs 39), and more assists (24 vs 13). Same thing-- if you only saw those stats, you'd guess that Indiana would've won big.

[scottspurs]

Any particular reason for this comment? Has he been rumoured to point shave or something.

.

No, early in the game he was playing terrible so it was just a joke. Had 3 early turnovers and missed a couple of shots. Had a bad foul. But ended up having a great game. Hit a bunch of 3’s and was active on defense. It was looking bad early though

[RC_Drunkford]

OKC beat a bunch of teams that can't shoot. The Pacers will punish them if they are left open from 3. Again OKC's defense is designed to shut down the paint, not the 3-point shot. You can beat them if you shoot well.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iShpJMXHYLg

[Dex]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iShpJMXHYLg

Wow, you may have found the most annoying person on YouTube...and that's a bold statement.

[Strategic]

I didn’t keep up much with the Pacers this season. Seems like Toppin and Methura are the best 2 bench players in this series.

[LeBowen]

Pacers have gone cold.

[CorrectCrusader]

If OKC wins this game it's a gentlemen's sweep.

[Strategic]

Pacers rattled

[Dejounte]

I cringe at the thought of Wemby trying to post up anyone on the Thunder, only for the other midgets to swipe the ball away from him. The Spurs will have no counter if they don’t build around Wemby the right way tbh.

[Strategic]

I cringe at the thought of Wemby trying to post up anyone on the Thunder, only for the other midgets to swipe the ball away from him. The Spurs will have no counter if they don’t build around Wemby the right way tbh. it’s gonna be up to him to protect the ball. Rather see Wemby turn into a 3 and D guy. Let the ball handlers handle the ball.

[Dejounte]

it’s gonna be up to him to protect the ball. Rather see Wemby turn into a 3 and D guy. Let the ball handlers handle the ball.

Dirk on offense, Wemby on defense is his best path forward. Minimal dribble moves unless it’s a clear path ahead. It might work during the regular season, but in the playoffs, the little guys will feast.

[ace3g]

10:24 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
5

46


OKC
26
33
3

62

[ace3g]

7:36 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
13

54


OKC
26
33
9

68

[ace3g]

3:32 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
23

64


OKC
26
33
24

83

[Strategic]

Nice goaltending

[Strategic]

Someone must’ve told Dagnault to play both bigs together.

[Dejounte]

Caruso and Cason Wallace doing all the rebounding as 6’4” guys.

[ace3g]

7:29 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
33
11
85


OKC
26
33
34
14
107

[Dod01]

I figured OKC would win by 10+ tonight.

[Strategic]

I was asking for Wiggins last year but I don’t think he’s any better than what the Spurs already have

[ace3g]

4:00 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
33
20
94


OKC
26
33
34
18
111

[LeBowen]

OKC is a better team, but this is far from over, Pacers keep playing and don't break down completely.
Late 1st and early 2nd quarter cold stretch cost them tonight.

[ace3g]

Pacers pulled their starters

2:51 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
20
21
33
24
98


OKC
26
33
34
24
117

[sfernald]

Idk, Okc soundly beat them in both games and pacers just managed to steal the first one. Still looked overmatched in both. This game turns on the third game. If Okc wins it’s a wrap. No way pacers winning three of the last four from this 70 win team.

[exstatic]

Idk, Okc soundly beat them in both games and pacers just managed to steal the first one. Still looked overmatched in both. This game turns on the third game. If Okc wins it’s a wrap. No way pacers winning three of the last four from this 70 win team.

In 2007, Phoenix outscored us by over 20 points in the 6 game series. We won 4-2, and that’s all that matters. They had a couple of blowouts, and we won four tight games.

[Dex]

In 2007, Phoenix outscored us by over 20 points in the 6 game series. We won 4-2, and that’s all that matters. They had a couple of blowouts, and we won four tight games.

Also thinking back to Detroit in 2005 when the first four games were all blowouts for the home team, followed by three straight competitive games. That series obviously hinged on Game 5 (thanks Big Shot Bob), but every series is different. That was also back during the 2-3-2 format.

I agree that the Thunder have looked like the better team for like...7/8 quarters played so far, but Indy has been sneaking their way into wins all playoffs. If they can keep this series 2-2 going back to OKC, anything is possible.

[sfernald]

In 2007, Phoenix outscored us by over 20 points in the 6 game series. We won 4-2, and that’s all that matters. They had a couple of blowouts, and we won four tight games.

Sure but that’s not the way this one will go down. Were the spurs a 50 win team and the Suns a 70 win team? Okc is one of the greatest teams of all time by record. That means something.

Like I think four teams in nba history had a better record lol.

[exstatic]

Sure but that’s not the way this one will go down. Were the spurs a 50 win team and the Suns a 70 win team? Okc is one of the greatest teams of all time by record. That means something.

It means the series is 1-1. That’s literally all that matters. Congratulations on completely missing that point.

OKC also didn’t win 70 games.

[sfernald]

It means the series is 1-1. That’s literally all that matters. Congratulations on completely missing that point.

OKC also didn’t win 70 games.

lol I rounded up! Still four nba teams in history had a better record… Indy is just on a tier way below Okc. The only way they probably win one is if they either play perfectly or steal one.

[Strategic]

I’ll start by saying OKC should win this thing. But the Thunder tend to sleepwalk thru parts of games. I’m starting to think that when Shea goes on his scoring sprees the rest of the team becomes unattached offensively. Don’t forget that they took 7 to close out the Nuggets, and the Nugs barely had a bench. Starting with Westbrook says it all. I think the Pacers bench is equal to the Thunders’ bench, with Toppin and Mathurin the 2 bench players in the series. IMHO

[Strategic]

I’ll start by saying OKC should win this thing. But the Thunder tend to sleepwalk thru parts of games. I’m starting to think that when Shea goes on his scoring sprees the rest of the team becomes unattached offensively. Don’t forget that they took 7 to close out the Nuggets, and the Nugs barely had a bench. Starting with Westbrook says it all. I think the Pacers bench is equal to the Thunders’ bench, with Toppin and Mathurin the 2 bench players in the series. IMHO

[exstatic]

lol I rounded up! Still four nba teams in history had a better record… Indy is just on a tier way below Okc. The only way they probably win one is if they either play perfectly or steal one.

They’ve already done that.

[sfernald]

They’ve already done that.

Yep they are lucky they may not get another like the wolves. Honestly I was surprised the wolves even managed one. Like I said all the 50ish win teams are basically on a material plane much lower than the Demi-gods of Thunder.

[spursistan]

Genuinely disgusted at how lazy the league and its broadcast partners have gotten with regard to the Finals presentation and tv production. Some random dude on X managed to edit an infinitely superior scoreboard and and much finer trophy logo on court than a multi-billion media company could do. Adam Silver is so weird for putting so much effort into the useless NBA Cup tourney while neglecting his own Superbowl.

https://x.com/hamztalkshoops_/status/1931872287919337531

[LeBowen]

At least they brought back finals stickers for G3.
No points for SGA and Haliburton in the first 6 minutes, but Chet has finally showed up.

[Robz4000]

Thunderrefs in effect tbh.

[spurraider21]

TJ "Alex Caruso" McConnell dominating

[heyheymymy]

Cmon INDY

FUCK
EM
UP

[LeBowen]

Williams just isn't good enough and if OKC loses the finals it will be on him.

[rascal]

Both Indiana and OK City have players who are fast and can attack the rim. Spurs now have the backcourt that can attack the rim.

Two years ago the Spurs had nothing in the backcourt that could take it strong to the basket consistently.

[ace3g]

8:09 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
6
95


IND
24
40
20
11
95

[ace3g]

6:40 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
9
98


IND
24
40
20
17
101

[ace3g]

4:19 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
11
100


IND
24
40
20
23
107

[LeBowen]

Pacers showing everyone depth is the way to to.
If a true superstar had this depth it would be over.

[LeBowen]

Pacers showing everyone depth is the way to to.
If a true superstar had this depth it would be over.

[ace3g]

2:37 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
13
102


IND
24
40
20
26
110

[timtonymanu]

Idiot flagrant foul, that could be game changing

[baseline bum]

Ugh they're gonna gift OKC a flagrant here won't they

[Dod01]

As a Wemby fan, not sure who I would prefer to ring, Halli, or Shet.

[DAF86]

If the Pacers lose this game, it will be because of that retarded play by Haliburton there. Dort was left behind, just pass the damn ball, get the easy 4 on 3 score and go up double digits with 2 and a half minutes to go.

[timtonymanu]

Okay just a regular foul

[Spurs Homer]

Chet had wemby deja vu there

[ace3g]

1:34 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
15
104


IND
24
40
20
26
110

[timtonymanu]

:lol anyone comparing Chet to Wemby

[rascal]

Chet can't jump

[skin27]

Looks like pacers will take game 3

[Spurs Homer]

Still going 6 or 7 games….but i never understood how so-called experts pretty much regarded okc as a far superior team…

i said before the series started….

1) rick carlisle has the edge in coachin
2) halliburton more clutch than the foul merchant
3) pace and athleticism and heart - all pacers- along with depth

still no guarantee but pacers doing work

[ace3g]

35.7 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
16
105


IND
24
40
20
28
112

[timtonymanu]

The Thunder are Kawhi game 6 against Miami at the free throw line.

[ace3g]

Final





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
32
28
29
18
107


IND
24
40
20
32
116

[skin27]

:lol anyone comparing Chet to Wemby

they are not even on the same tier.

[scottspurs]

Both of these teams have so many good guards!

NBA draft losers like KOC: “spurs have to many guards, Harper doesn’t fit on the spurs” lmao

[Robz4000]

Next game decides the series imo. Can't see Indy winning a game 7 in OKC.

[Mr. Body]

Thunder don't look nearly as deep as Indiana. Carlyle is keeping everyone fresh.

[Jordan Jackson]

The Thunder look cooked trying to run up and down with the Pacers.

Carlisle is going turn the pace of the game all the way up next game. I’m also pretty sure he has adjustments he hasn’t even used yet. Not that he’s really had to use any so far.

Spooky times if you’re an OKC fan. They lose game 4, this series is over.

[Mr. Body]

The Thunder look cooked trying to run up and down with the Pacers.

Carlisle is going turn the pace of the game all the way up next game. I’m also pretty sure he has adjustments he hasn’t even used yet. Not that he’s really had to use any so far.

Spooky times if you’re an OKC fan. They lose game 4, this series is over.

Thunder are reduced to playing only one way, and they can only get production from one or two players. That's rough. Pacers keep going at them and wearing them down throughout the game.

[BatManu20]

Next game decides the series imo. Can't see Indy winning a game 7 in OKC.

Correct. And OKC ain't going down 3-1 to this Pacers team unfortunately. OKC will win Game 4 and the series. They're still the better team tbh.

[lefty]

https://x.com/haterreport_/status/1933007082099282294

[spursistan]

Thunder allowing a Carlisle-coached team to get its teeth into a series is bad news for them. He's dragged numerous inferior teams before to beat the heavy favorites (2011 Heat) or nearly upset them (2014 Spurs, 2021 Clippers).

Thunder need to put the smack down in Game 4 or else they'll be staring down a historic Finals choke (68-win team, best ever net-rating) to one of the least pedigreed opponent ever.

https://x.com/zachkram/status/1932999990915317838

[RC_Drunkford]

Having Carlisle as a coach is the biggest ace the Pacers got in their pockets. Tell me again how coaching doesn't matter.

[intlspurshk]

If Pacer wins this year Championship, it is all because of Carlisle, who make his team giving 120% performances

[RC_Drunkford]

for all this talk about OKC's depth, they only play 8 players and look tired. They are also paying a guy 30 million who averages 19 minutes.

[LeBowen]

They are also paying a guy 30 million who averages 19 minutes.

Only because Daigneault can't get over himself.
Going small is just idiotic, Chet is getting bullied.

[Mr. Body]

Only because Daigneault can't get over himself.
Going small is just idiotic, Chet is getting bullied.

That's the only way they play. I'm not sure they can redesign at this point. May still get them the chip though.

[Mr. Body]

It's the reason Dallas took care of them last year, too. Mavs bullied them. Hartenstein was supposed to fix the issue.

[Spurs Homer]

Game 3 was the first time the refs called the okc defensive hacking- fouls.

it was a shock to the hackers and floppers like dort, sga, caruso…

pacers must turn up the heat in game 4 and its season over for the front runners

[lefty]

Having Carlisle as a coach is the biggest ace the Pacers got in their pockets. Tell me again how coaching doesn't matter.

Yes
BUT
If Hali doesn’t make those 4 clutch shots they wouldn’t be in this position

[timtonymanu]

Pretty much a toss up series if OKC wins game 4. Pacers are a bad matchup for OKC and have the best coach in the league so if they win this series, I won’t be surprised.

[LeBowen]

Yes
BUT
If Hali doesn’t make those 4 clutch shots they wouldn’t be in this position

Without Carlisle's coaching Haliburton wouldn't have been in the position to make those clutch shots.

[itzsoweezee]

Nembhard has been the unsung hero this series. This guy is Ginobili-esque; just constantly making winning plays

[RC_Drunkford]

Yes
BUT
If Hali doesn’t make those 4 clutch shots they wouldn’t be in this position

If Duncan never makes the clutch bankshot against OKC the Spurs might not go to the finals in 2014. That's what you got your star players for.

[skin27]

Having Carlisle as a coach is the biggest ace the Pacers got in their pockets. Tell me again how coaching doesn't matter.

yeah coaching matters but the players matters most than the coach. Players deserve more credit.

[TD 21]

I still expect the Thunder to win out, but if they somehow lose this series, the Pacers have got to be the most unlikely champion of all time.

Thanks to Daigneault's arrogance in game 1, the typical home win and what's now got to be genuine belief for the Pacers, they've at least dumped all the external pressure on an overwhelming favorite that's young and inexperienced in this position.


Having Carlisle as a coach is the biggest ace the Pacers got in their pockets. Tell me again how coaching doesn't matter.

Tell me again specifically what Carlisle is supposedly doing that's flummoxing Daigneault/Thunder.

[Mr. Body]

Pacers are providing a blueprint for beating the Thunder, even if they don't close the deal.

Run at them with depth and wear them out. Use bigs to pummel them inside. Use your defense to hound SGA constantly while trying not to foul him. Keep your turnovers low.

[spurraider21]

OKC only going with 1 big for the entire series after starting Chet and Hartenstein together quite a bit during the season seems really bizarre

[Mugen]

OKC only going with 1 big for the entire series after starting Chet and Hartenstein together quite a bit during the season seems really bizarre

Moving away from double big before they even played a minute in the Finals was cuck-tastic tbh, especially for a team that won 68 games in the regular season. Seemed like something the old man would do back in the day tbh.

[Knoxxx]

Just watched the last of this game 3.

Holmgren is soft and his release point is low - blocked 3 pt shot about 2 min mark - not a player even in the same zip code as Wemby.

OKC is a team living and dying by SGA hero ball.

OKC J Williams is undersized - see missed dunk - and stats likely inflated due to playing with SGA.

If Sochan can be Toppin that works otherwise we need to change him out.

OKC role players not impressive. IND more of a team but neither team’s role players strike me as much better than ours can be. I’m not even sure I’d swap our role players for theirs - either team.

Any 48-50 win team such as IND can gel at the right time and win it all. SAS could win that many games next season. Time to go all in!

[RC_Drunkford]

I still expect the Thunder to win out, but if they somehow lose this series, the Pacers have got to be the most unlikely champion of all time.

Thanks to Daigneault's arrogance in game 1, the typical home win and what's now got to be genuine belief for the Pacers, they've at least dumped all the external pressure on an overwhelming favorite that's young and inexperienced in this position.



Tell me again specifically what Carlisle is supposedly doing that's flummoxing Daigneault/Thunder.

the fact that you are asking this question is basically the answer to why you are thinking "coaching doesn't matter". You obviously can't identify adjustments.

-playing Haliburton off the ball and using him as the screener to free him up
-inverted Siakam/Haliburton pick & rolls
-using Siakam as an offensive hub for DHOs at the elbow, instead of putting him the post
-doubling SGAs from different angles
-attacking SGA on defense
-Haliburton rejecting the screen more often than not
-Turner blitzing the ball handler hard in pick & rolls

[Mnky]

People need to come to terms with the fact that the thunder aren't as good as they thought they were. Ill keep repeating it, they barely beat Jokic and got lucky Curry didn't see them after that. They're a regular season team, even if they win they're beating what was considered to be one of the lesser teams in the walk over east at the begining of the playoffs.

If they don't win this year, its going to be interesting to see how long they can keep all those lottery picks on second contracts.

They won't get an easier year.

[spurraider21]

Just watched the last of this game 3.

Holmgren is soft and his release point is low - blocked 3 pt shot about 2 min mark - not a player even in the same zip code as Wemby.

OKC is a team living and dying by SGA hero ball.

OKC J Williams is undersized - see missed dunk - and stats likely inflated due to playing with SGA.

If Sochan can be Toppin that works otherwise we need to change him out.

OKC role players not impressive. IND more of a team but neither team’s role players strike me as much better than ours can be. I’m not even sure I’d swap our role players for theirs - either team.

Any 48-50 win team such as IND can gel at the right time and win it all. SAS could win that many games next season. Time to go all in!
prisoner of the moment

[spurraider21]

Tell me again specifically what Carlisle is supposedly doing that's flummoxing Daigneault/Thunder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LF2Sd1jTXQ

[timtonymanu]

Let's slow our roll on calling the Spurs title contenders. Still a lot of question marks for a team that hasn't been in the playoffs for 6 straight years and has currently 1 -2 players that have real playoff experience. I'm glad the front office is being linked to big name players. It shows they know they can't just "run it back" next year. Upgrade as much as you can, even if they are striking for the fences but fail. The only reason we keep Devin or Keldon is because the trades of them fell through.

[Knoxxx]

prisoner of the moment

So your plan is to go “halfway” all in?

[spurraider21]

So your plan is to go “halfway” all in?
nah just referring to your evaluations of chet and j-dub

[Knoxxx]

nah just referring to your evaluations of chet and j-dub

Big game tonight for sure! I still think Chet at least is a wuss.

[TD 21]

the fact that you are asking this question is basically the answer to why you are thinking "coaching doesn't matter". You obviously can't identify adjustments.

-playing Haliburton off the ball and using him as the screener to free him up
-inverted Siakam/Haliburton pick & rolls
-using Siakam as an offensive hub for DHOs at the elbow, instead of putting him the post
-doubling SGAs from different angles
-attacking SGA on defense
-Haliburton rejecting the screen more often than not
-Turner blitzing the ball handler hard in pick & rolls

I didn't mean literally, but I'm not surprised someone who follows the league as closely as you appear to would regurgitate more or less what you did, from whoever it is you follow to sound knowledgeable.

I'm well versed in the x's and o's, which is why I feel confident saying what I do.

My point is, none of that is revolutionary or something the Thunder couldn't have seen coming or figure out how to combat.

The biggest/most important "adjustment" is always force and execution. It just doesn't sound sexy, so tired narratives persist, one of which is team with low (for a Finals/championship) end star power wins, therefore it must have been the genius coach.

[RC_Drunkford]

I didn't mean literally, but I'm not surprised someone who follows the league as closely as you appear to would regurgitate more or less what you did, from whoever it is you follow to sound knowledgeable.

I'm well versed in the x's and o's, which is why I feel confident saying what I do.

My point is, none of that is revolutionary or something the Thunder couldn't have seen coming or figure out how to combat.

The biggest/most important "adjustment" is always force and execution. It just doesn't sound sexy, so tired narratives persist, one of which is team with low (for a Finals/championship) end star power wins, therefore it must have been the genius coach.

the coach gives the team the strategy and sets to run. It's a combined effort. Coaching matters no matter how you slice it. You can't give credit to the execution without giving it to the one who came up with the whole plan to begin with.

One adjustment you can see that Haliburton made, is that he uses OKCs hard help against them. So he tries the help to come and then kicks the ball out or he fakes the pass to get the help to commit into rotating. I doubt that's something Carlisle told him. He mostly understood that's what he has to do by watching film. Still, the sets they run have changed and that's Carlisle. I want to see if Daigneault can find the next adjustment and I'm not confident in him being able to do that.

Coaching is the biggest advantage that Indiana has in this series against OKC.

[Strategic]

OKC has a chance to turn home court back to their advantage tonight. If they can they shift the pressure back on the Pacers, if not let’s wrap it up.

[lefty20]

OKC gonna come out strong. Caruso and Dort are gonna be hacking every arm in sight and Dort will also be looking to slide into any knee that comes within 3ft of him.

[ace3g]

9:13 - 1st





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
7



7


IND
11



11

[LeBowen]

Chet injured himself, took long enough.

[ace3g]

Chet rolled his ankle

[TheBallsbreakers]

Great start for Indy

[Robz4000]

Feels like Indy has figured out OKC's defense tbh.

[ace3g]

7:01 - 1st





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
12



12


IND
20



20

[mudyez]

Indy using OKCs aggressivness against them. Baiting them to double and playing from there.

Might be OKC kryptonite for years to come. Having three ballhandlers (Fox, Harper, Castle) would help that.

[skin27]

Thunder fighting back

[spurraider21]

Indy using OKCs aggressivness against them. Baiting them to double and playing from there.

Might be OKC kryptonite for years to come. Having three ballhandlers (Fox, Harper, Castle) would help that.
i remember spurs doing something similar in 2013/2014 against miami. they knew miami would constantly blitz pick and rolls, so parker and manu started to abuse that. instead of trying to just gung-ho attack and penetrate, they would wait for the defenders to commit, hold the ball with 2 hands above their head, and make a jump pass over the heads of the two defenders.

[benefactor]

Carlisle strikes again. From a pure coaching standpoint he might be the best in nba history

[LeBowen]

And then they complain about TV ratings.
One team getting every call, but nothing for the other side, Foster is a master of his trade.

[ace3g]

4:18 - 1st





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
24



24


IND
25



25

[Robz4000]

:lol how do you not call anything there?

[LeBowen]

We're talking about Harper's fit, meanwhile Carlisle plays McConnell and Haliburton together in the finals.

[ace3g]

End of 1st





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34



34


IND
35



35

[mudyez]

After stealing the Eastern MVP trophy from Haliburton, Siakam might steal SGAs Finals MVP trophy too.

[exstatic]

Indy using OKCs aggressivness against them. Baiting them to double and playing from there.

Might be OKC kryptonite for years to come. Having three ballhandlers (Fox, Harper, Castle) would help that.

Someone who gets it.

[timtonymanu]

OKC will take this game.

[K...]

OKC will take this game.

But the script is they get worn out in the 4rth. That's the game 1,3 story.

[Robz4000]

:lmao Thunderefs

[LeBowen]

NBA isn't a sport anymore, but entertainment.

[ace3g]

3:19 - 2nd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
19


53


IND
35
15


50

[Uriel]

I remember before the draft when they were saying Toppin was the second coming of Amare Stoudemire.

[ace3g]

Halftime





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23


57


IND
35
25


60

[mudyez]

Charge

[ace3g]

7:16 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
7

64


IND
35
25
11

71

[mudyez]

Trying not to jinx it but this Pacers team deserves where they are. Such a great team!

[TheBallsbreakers]

This Indy team is so fun to watch

[chubbs]

go pacers

[mudyez]

How about using #38 on the Nembhard brother?

[ace3g]

B2B 3s for Toppin

4:11 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
15

72


IND
35
25
20

80

[mudyez]

...and the Toppin brother...

[K...]

Really okc only 9% from distance?

That's what tired legs on the road with a bunch on role players will do ya

[mudyez]

I could watch Nembhard defend all day. Such a beauty.

[rascal]

This Indy team is so fun to watch

Full of athleticism

[td4mvp2k]

thunderrefs warming up

[mudyez]

Wow...calling that

[mudyez]

How about calling one of the moving screens on the Thunder too?

[mudyez]

Feels like Pacers pacers bringing up two screeners to force OCK to pressure. Some hit and miss regarding that. But couldn't easily reduce the pressure by not doing that.

[ace3g]

1:55 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
19

76


IND
35
25
26

86

[Ice009]

Toppin making big plays.

[mudyez]

Imagine Reggie being called to the podium to celebrate with the guys/trophy! I tell you, I would cry.

[LeBowen]

Pacers strength and conditioning coaches should have their contracts tripled, tbh.

[mudyez]

OKC without an offensive gameplan other than going 1on1

[Uriel]

Game 1 really changed the complexion of this series. OKC wins that and this series is over in 5. Instead, Indiana now has the confidence that they can actually win.

[timtonymanu]

Too many missed free throws to end that quarter, could have been up by double digits but here we are.

[mudyez]

Just hope Siakam has enough left in the tank. Seemed a bit tiered.

[TheBallsbreakers]

Game 1 really changed the complexion of this series. OKC wins that and this series is over in 5. Instead, Indiana now has the confidence that they can actually win.
Don't know about that. It's becoming more and more evident that Indiana actually has a solid gameplan that just discombobulates OKC, regardless of them stealing game 1.

[exstatic]

...and the Toppin brother...

He’s actually not related, although A Toppin brother is currently bouncing around the fringes of the NBA on two ways.

[mudyez]

Ment Jacob

[mudyez]

I wonder who is the Spurs energy emotional guy like Toppin is with Indy?

Keldon? Sochan?

[scott]

Edging on the border of an all time epic flame out by OKC…

[Uriel]

I remember Toppin was considered a high upside project big before the draft, with scouts likening him to Stoudemire.

[td4mvp2k]

like clockwork :lol

[Uriel]

Nesmith looks like Blake Wesley the way Carlisle looks like Jim Carrey.

[mudyez]

Indy needs to start their offense earlier. That wherevthey usually treive.

[Robz4000]

Indy playing retarded while the refs bail out the Thunder.

[mudyez]

I know thats not a hot take, but this is basically game 7!

[ace3g]

8:13 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
23
8
88


IND
35
25
27
2
89

[timtonymanu]

Indy fucked around too much, OKC got this now.

[scott]

Caruso is very good at this

[ace3g]

Pacers strength and conditioning coaches should have their contracts tripled, tbh.

https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/2025-01-19t054710z-2018096796-mt1usatoday25225019-rtrmadp-3-mma-ufc-311-dvalishvili-vs-nurmagomedov.JPG?c=16x9&q=h_833,w_1480,c_fill

[ace3g]

6:22 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
23
11
91


IND
35
25
27
6
93

[mudyez]

Hope Indy is preparing some sideline inbound plays for game 5. That is hard to watch.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/BleedBlue1986/status/1933711792091398249

[TheBallsbreakers]

https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/2025-01-19t054710z-2018096796-mt1usatoday25225019-rtrmadp-3-mma-ufc-311-dvalishvili-vs-nurmagomedov.JPG?c=16x9&q=h_833,w_1480,c_fill
Merab will do, yes

[ace3g]

5:02 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
34
23
23
15
95


IND
35
25
27
10
97

[Uriel]

People I’ve gained a lot of respect for in these Finals:

1. Rick Carlisle
2. Chet Holmgren
3. TJ McConnell
4. Obi Toppin