Introduction to the NBA Finals
The NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder have been a back-and-forth affair, with each team trading wins and neither able to gain a clear advantage. Despite the series being tied at 2-2, the TV ratings have been down, with viewership decreasing by about 20% from last season. However, the teams are not to blame for the low ratings, as they have been putting on a show for those who have been tuning in.
The Series So Far
The series has seen its fair share of exciting moments, including a frantic comeback by the Pacers in Game 1, a dominating performance by the Thunder in Game 2, and a strong showing by the Pacers’ bench in Game 3. Game 4 saw the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show, scoring 15 points in the final five minutes to lead his team to a comeback win. The series is now set up for a pivotal Game 5, with the winner taking a crucial lead in the best-of-three remaining games.
A High-Level Series
Despite the low TV ratings, the series has been a great display of high-level basketball. The Thunder and Pacers have been evenly matched, with the Thunder outscoring the Pacers by just 3.3 points per game and the Pacers outshooting the Thunder by 1.4%. This level of competition has been rare in recent years, with only two other series in the last 15 years having such a small margin between the teams through four games.
Player Performances
The series has also seen some impressive individual performances, including Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant showing in Game 4. He is now up to 3,091 points this season, including the regular season and playoffs, which is the 18th most in NBA history. He is just 72 points shy of matching Michael Jordan’s 3,163 points in the 1991-92 season.
Shai’s Climb
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has been one of the highlights of the series, and he is poised to climb even higher on the list of all-time leading scorers. He has been enjoying his first NBA Finals experience, saying that it has been "everything I dreamt it to be growing up."
Pacers After Losses
The Pacers have shown resilience throughout the series, and they will need to do so again after losing Game 4. They have not lost back-to-back games since mid-March and are 10-0 in the game immediately following a defeat. Forward Myles Turner said that the team plays better with their backs against the wall, and that adversity brings out the best in them.
Road Records
The NBA has seen a record number of road wins this season, with 597 wins by visiting teams. This matches last season’s total and is just one shy of the record set in the 2021-22 season.
Walker Update
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle indicated that reserve forward Jarace Walker’s season is likely over due to an ankle sprain. Walker is off crutches but still walking with a limp, and Carlisle said that it would be great if he were available to play, as he thinks Walker would help the team.
Conclusion
The NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder are set up for a thrilling conclusion, with Game 5 being a pivotal matchup. Despite the low TV ratings, the series has been a great display of high-level basketball, with both teams putting on a show for those who have been tuning in. The winner of Game 5 will take a crucial lead in the best-of-three remaining games, and it will be exciting to see which team comes out on top.
FAQs
- What is the current state of the NBA Finals series between the Pacers and Thunder?
The series is tied at 2-2, with each team trading wins and neither able to gain a clear advantage. - What has been the level of competition between the two teams?
The series has been highly competitive, with the Thunder outscoring the Pacers by just 3.3 points per game and the Pacers outshooting the Thunder by 1.4%. - Who has been the standout player for the Thunder?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the standout player for the Thunder, scoring 15 points in the final five minutes of Game 4 to lead his team to a comeback win. - What is the status of Pacers reserve forward Jarace Walker?
Walker’s season is likely over due to an ankle sprain, according to coach Rick Carlisle.
