'Trap him' — Ex-NBA star reveals only way Indiana Pacers can contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of NBA Finals Game 3
Image via Getty Images
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't just maintained his MVP-level form in the playoffs—he's elevated it. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has exploded for 38 and 34 points in the first two games against the Indiana Pacers, all while turning up the intensity on defense.
As the series shifts to Indianapolis for a pivotal Game 3, former NBA All-Star Shawn Marion has weighed in with what he believes is the only adjustment the Pacers can make to stop the red-hot guard.
Former NBA All-Star Shawn Marion breaks down how Indiana Pacers can try to slow down MVP
Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander
Speaking ahead of
Game 3
, which will tip off Wednesday night in Indianapolis,
Shawn Marion
laid it out plainly: 'One of the only adjustments you probably could make guarding him is probably trapping him, get the ball out of his hand,' he said.
Marion, who made a name for himself as a versatile defender during his time in the league, pointed out a common trend in today's NBA. 'For the most part, all teams switch everything one through five regardless of who's on the floor,' he noted. But against a player like
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
, who thrives on isolation, slicing through defenders with ease, Marion believes Indiana may need to throw the kitchen sink at him.
That's easier said than done. The Thunder's supporting cast has shown time and again that they can hurt opponents when the focus shifts solely to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City Thunder
finished the regular season as one of the league's best road teams, and their offensive chemistry often punishes aggressive traps by finding open shooters and slashing wings.
Still, Marion's comments point to just how challenging it's been for the
Indiana Pacers
to contain the Canadian star.
No matter how physical the defense gets, Gilgeous-Alexander has responded with poise, precision, and big-time performances.
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With the series hanging in the balance and the Thunder aiming to steal a critical road win, the spotlight is squarely on Indiana's defensive game plan. If Shawn Marion's words hold weight, we could see a more aggressive trapping scheme when the two teams clash on Wednesday night. But with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, even that adjustment may not be enough.
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