What Happened
The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in a challenging position in the 2025 NBA Finals, currently trailing 2-1 against the Indiana Pacers. This unexpected deficit can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a significant midrange shooting slump that has plagued the Thunder throughout the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s standout player and regular-season MVP, has been notably affected by this downturn in performance, particularly in Game 3, where he struggled both offensively and defensively.
In Game 3, Gilgeous-Alexander played for 42 minutes but appeared fatigued and out of sorts, committing a frustration foul early in the game and showing signs of exhaustion shortly thereafter. His performance has raised questions about his physical condition and the effectiveness of the Thunder’s offensive strategy, especially given their reliance on midrange shooting, an area where they have historically excelled.
Key Details
-
Shooting Performance: The Thunder have struggled with their 2-point shooting, making only 47.4% of their attempts in the Finals, significantly lower than their regular-season average of 55.9%. This decline is particularly concerning given that the Pacers ranked 23rd in 2-point defense during the regular season.
-
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stats: In the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander has shot 50% on 2-point attempts, which is below his usual standards. In contrast, he had a strong performance in the first two games of the series, but his inconsistency in Game 3 has been a focal point of criticism.
-
Team Dynamics: The Thunder’s overall offensive rating has dropped to 113.6 in the Finals, compared to their regular-season rating of 119.2. This decline has been attributed to their inability to convert midrange shots, which are crucial to their offensive strategy. The team has also averaged only 8.4 fast-break points per game in the Finals, down from 17.2 in the previous playoff rounds.
-
Game Context: The Thunder’s struggles have coincided with a more energetic performance from the Pacers, who have outplayed Oklahoma City in terms of hustle and pace. The Thunder’s inability to adapt to Indiana’s defensive strategy, which focused on denying Gilgeous-Alexander the ball, has further compounded their shooting woes.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the Thunder’s situation vary among analysts and fans. Some argue that Gilgeous-Alexander’s fatigue and the team’s midrange shooting slump are critical issues that need immediate attention if they hope to turn the series around. John Hollinger, a noted basketball analyst, emphasizes the need for the Thunder to manage Gilgeous-Alexander’s energy levels better throughout the game to ensure he can perform at his best when it matters most.
Others suggest that the Thunder’s shooting struggles may be a temporary issue that could resolve itself as the series progresses. They point to the team’s strong performance in the earlier playoff rounds and the potential for statistical regression to the mean. This perspective holds that the Thunder’s shooting percentages will improve as they adjust to the Pacers’ defensive schemes.
Context & Background
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2025 NBA Finals as one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams, having ranked third in offensive rating during the regular season. Their success was largely built on a strong combination of 2-point shooting and effective fast-break opportunities. However, the playoffs have presented new challenges, with the Thunder facing teams that have adjusted their defensive strategies to exploit their weaknesses.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s role as the team’s primary scorer and playmaker makes his performance critical to the Thunder’s success. His ability to create shots and draw fouls has been a cornerstone of the Thunder’s offensive strategy. As the series progresses, the Thunder must find ways to leverage his skills while addressing the broader issues affecting their shooting efficiency.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the series continues, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear whether Gilgeous-Alexander is dealing with any physical issues that could be impacting his performance. Additionally, the Thunder’s ability to adjust their offensive strategy in response to the Pacers’ defensive tactics is still in question. The outcome of Game 4 will be pivotal in determining whether the Thunder can regain their shooting form and level the series.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of this Finals appearance for the Thunder and their roster construction remain to be seen. If they are unable to overcome their shooting struggles, it may prompt a reevaluation of their offensive approach and player roles moving forward.
