Pacers Seek to Solidify Homecourt Advantage in Game Three

The Indiana Pacers are looking to consolidate their homecourt advantage against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the NBA Finals, following a 1-1 series tie. The Pacers won Game One on the road, but the Thunder countered with a 123-107 victory in Game Two. With two games at home, the Pacers will aim to protect their advantage and head to Oklahoma City for Game Five with a 3-1 edge.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pacers have won six and lost two games at home in the playoffs, while the Thunder have won four and lost three on the road.
• In the previous three series, the Pacers have lost Game Three, with a combined score of 350-283 against Milwaukee (117-101), Cleveland (126-104), and New York (106-100).
• In Game One, the Pacers shot 47.6% from the field and made 18 three-pointers, while the Thunder won the rebounding battle, 56-38.
• In Game Two, the Pacers were limited to 45.1% from the field and 14 three-pointers, while the Thunder outrebounded them, 43-35, and scored more points in the paint, 42-34.
• Chet Holmgren had 15 points in Game Two, while Tyrese Haliburton was held to five points in the fourth quarter.
• The Pacers have a tendency to take two steps backward, having lost four of their five playoff games by 16 or more points.
• The Thunder won Game Two by relying on a swarming defense and capitalizing on their height advantage.
• Coach Mark Daigneault should take a Game Seven mindset, as a loss will give the Pacers momentum to win Game Four and erect a 3-1 lead.

Statistics:

• Pacers' Game One leader: 47.6% field goal percentage (47-98); 18 three-pointers.
• Pacers' Game Two leader: 45.1% field goal percentage (41-91); 14 three-pointers.
• Thunder's Game Two leader: 42-34 points in the paint.
• Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren's points in Game Two: 15.
• Thunder's Tyrese Haliburton's points in Game Two (fourth quarter): 5.

Sources:

• [Source: NBA; Publishers: Manila Times]