The 2025 NBA Finals Thread

[Mainstreet]

I'd add how Caruso was essentially Haliburton's shadow also. I hated Caruso on the Lakers but not because he was a Laker but because he was a pitbull on defense. He's exactly the sort of 6th man a legit contender has. He needs to do that 3 more times and he's definitely capable. I think Hali is likely to get Indiana one more win though, somehow. Either off day for Caruso or foul trouble will give him some air.

I like Alex Caurso. He gives 100%. At one point in the game, he was playing power forward, doing the dirt work and blocking out.

Let's see if Indiana can figure out a way to get open looks from three, which OKC took away in game 2.

 

[Hoop Head]

I like Alex Caurso. He gives 100%. At one point in the game, he was playing power forward, doing the dirt work and blocking out.

Let's see if Indiana can figure out a way to get open looks from three, which OKC took away in game 2.

I think this next game could go either way. Carlisle is a great coach in Indiana and will find a way. Plus being in Indiana they'll get the benefit of more whistles so game 3 will be good.

I believe the commentators said OKC hasn't lost back to back games all year, including the playoffs. So the Pacers have their work cut out for them but they just need to trade games going forward since they got game 1.

 

[ajcardfan]

I think this next game could go either way. Carlisle is a great coach in Indiana and will find a way. Plus being in Indiana they'll get the benefit of more whistles so game 3 will be good.

I believe the commentators said OKC hasn't lost back to back games all year, including the playoffs. So the Pacers have their work cut out for them but they just need to trade games going forward since they got game 1.

They haven't lost back to back in the playoffs. They lost back to back in November (Mavs and Spurs), and then again in April (Rockets and Lakers). But that's it. Indy doesn't have to win any games back to back to win the series, if they win games 3, 5 and 7. But, I think they will win one more game at best.

 

[Hoop Head]

They haven't lost back to back in the playoffs. They lost back to back in November (Mavs and Spurs), and then again in April (Rockets and Lakers). But that's it. Indy doesn't have to win any games back to back to win the series, if they win games 3, 5 and 7. But, I think they will win one more game at best.

Appreciate that. I know they went 68-14 during the season so figured it was entirely possible with just 14 losses but didn't double check it. I knew they hadn't this postseason.

Indiana can trade wins but that still requires a game 7 in OKC, which would be great TV but I can't see that happening. I still believe OKC in 5. I figured Indiana would get game 3 going in but obviously that all went out the window with the miraculous game 1 comeback. It's OKC's to lose still but I think 5 or 6 is likely it. If it goes to 7 I might put money on Indiana in that game though. They've beaten all odds so far.

 

[95pro]

I think game 3 is must win for Indy, the series goes to 7 games. A loss for Indy leads to a deflated team and OKC wins in 5.

 

[BirdGangThing]

I think game 3 is must win for Indy, the series goes to 7 games. A loss for Indy leads to a deflated team and OKC wins in 5.

game 3 is a must win for both teams

 

[ajcardfan]

game 3 is a must win for both teams

That's like saying whoever wins game 3 wins the series. If that's your opinion, that is cool with me. But would you REALLY go all in on Indy if they win that game? I sure wouldn't. Even though their odds would improve. But if Indy wins game 3 and OKC wins game 4 then it is back to home court advantage for OKC.

That is why I think it's bigger game for Indy. If they lose game three the chances of them beating OKC three out of four is very poor.

 

[Hoop Head]

That's like saying whoever wins game 3 wins the series. If that's your opinion, that is cool with me. But would you REALLY go all in on Indy if they win that game? I sure wouldn't. Even though their odds would improve. But if Indy wins game 3 and OKC wins game 4 then it is back to home court advantage for OKC.

That is why I think it's bigger game for Indy. If they lose game three the chances of them beating OKC three out of four is very poor.

All OKC has to do is win one of the next two to get homecourt back. I think that is likely to happen but they need to assert themselves and not trade games any longer. The sooner the better for them.

 

[95pro]

That's like saying whoever wins game 3 wins the series. If that's your opinion, that is cool with me. But would you REALLY go all in on Indy if they win that game? I sure wouldn't. Even though their odds would improve. But if Indy wins game 3 and OKC wins game 4 then it is back to home court advantage for OKC.

That is why I think it's bigger game for Indy. If they lose game three the chances of them beating OKC three out of four is very poor.

Better said than me.

 

[BirdGangThing]

That's like saying whoever wins game 3 wins the series. If that's your opinion, that is cool with me. But would you REALLY go all in on Indy if they win that game? I sure wouldn't. Even though their odds would improve. But if Indy wins game 3 and OKC wins game 4 then it is back to home court advantage for OKC.

That is why I think it's bigger game for Indy. If they lose game three the chances of them beating OKC three out of four is very poor.

if indy wins game 3 i actually do like their chances - okc better not let it happen

 

[Ronin]

Tyrese Haliburton ready to play despite limping after Game 2 loss: 'I feel fine'

Tyrese Haliburton is ready to go for Game 3 of the NBA Finals despite having a noticeable limp during his post-game press conference on Sunday.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Ronin]

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/thunder-vs-pacers-nba-finals-pascal-siakam-needs-to-regain-east-finals-mvp-form-for-indiana-to-maintain-control-of-series-232633331.html

 

[Ronin]

Okay NMSU legend....they calling you out! Whatchu going do about it.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/thunder-vs-pacers-nba-finals-pascal-siakam-needs-to-regain-east-finals-mvp-form-for-indiana-to-maintain-control-of-series-232633331.html

 

[BirdGangThing]

i still think this is the make or break game of these finals - if the pacers win it proves okc to be truly vulnerable (like they were against denver) but if okc wins it essentially erases everything the pacers have accomplished

bolder - whomever wins tonight wins it all

 

[Ronin]

Pat McAfee is listing stats and talking faster than I can type.lol
One thing I am able to catch is that the Pacers have lead for 1:50 in the third quarter. Yikes

 

[Ronin]

Haliburton has an ankle issue, but is good to go.

 

[Ronin]

OKC has no injury issues. Rolling with same starting line up for game 3.

 

[Mainstreet]

Both teams are cold shooting early in game three.

 

[Mainstreet]

Siakam has all of the Pacers 4 points. Thunder leads 10-4.

 

[Mainstreet]

Timeout with the Thunder leading 15-6. Siakam has the 6 points.

 

[BirdGangThing]

game getting good now

 

[Mainstreet]

Thunder up by 8 at the end of 1st quarter.

 

[BirdGangThing]

holy crap that little indian'n got the pacers hype

 

[Mainstreet]

Unless my eyes have deceived me, TJ McConnell has gotten quicker over time.

 

[BirdGangThing]

Unless my eyes have deceived me, TJ McConnell has gotten quicker over time.

out carusoing caruso