Shai Gilgeous-Alexander previews Pacers ahead of 2025 NBA Finals: 'They're on a roll'
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander previews Pacers ahead of 2025 NBA Finals: 'They're on a roll'
As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers punched their tickets to the 2025 NBA Finals, everybody looked forward to what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to say about the series. The MVP winner is four wins away from a championship and is on the verge of completing one of the greatest individual seasons ever.
While everybody has penciled in the Thunder to beat the Pacers, Gilgeous-Alexander won't take the bait. The main message from the first seed during this week's NBA Finals practices has been that Indiana reached this stage for a reason and is feeling as good about its odds.
'I don't think they've changed much. They were a really good team back then. They were on a roll back then. They're on a roll now. Since January, us and them have the best records in the NBA," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "They've been playing good basketball. I don't think much has changed."
Entering the NBA playoffs, most had the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Maybe even a team like the Milwaukee Bucks could go on a hot run. Nope. The Pacers relied on late-game heroics and a high-octane offense to reach this point. Sure, they received some injury luck with Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, but that's part of the nature of the sport.
The Thunder's league-best defense must force turnovers against the Pacers' playoff-best offense. The latter has done an amazing job of ball security. Tyrese Haliburton has led the playoffs in assists and seldom gives up turnovers. OKC must change that if it wants to win the NBA Finals.
"If we're able to buckle down defensively, we can take care of the offensive side. It also allows us to play more of our strengths offensively. But defense is where it always starts," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Defense helps you win games no matter the environment, team or personnel. If you get stops, you'll give yourself a chance."
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