SGA admitted: ‘The Pacers were too aggressive, we couldn’t respond!

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA Finals run, dazzling fans and defenders alike with his crafty footwork, smooth jumpers, and relentless attacks to the rim. But in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers threw a wrench into his rhythm—and for the first time in weeks, Gilgeous-Alexander looked human.

After the Thunder’s 116-107 loss in Indianapolis, which gave the Pacers a 2-1 lead in the series, Shai faced the media and openly discussed how Indiana’s defensive strategy disrupted his flow and the team’s offensive execution.

Pacers Shift the Momentum in the NBA Finals

The Thunder entered Game 3 tied 1-1 and hopeful to take command of the series. But the Pacers used home court advantage and a smothering defensive approach to make life difficult for the MVP and his teammates. Gilgeous-Alexander, who had scored a combined 72 points in Games 1 and 2, was held to just 24 points on an inefficient night.

When asked postgame what changed, Gilgeous-Alexander gave credit to Indiana’s preparation and execution.

“They made it hard,” Shai admitted. “They brought bodies early, they rotated well, and they forced me into tough looks. That’s playoff basketball. You have to adjust.”

Pacers’ Defensive Game Plan: Disrupt the Rhythm

According to both analysts and players, the Pacers were focused on showing multiple defenders every time Gilgeous-Alexander touched the ball. Whether it was trapping at the top of the key, shading help defenders early, or clogging the paint, Indiana’s strategy was clear: Don’t let Shai get comfortable.

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who also starred on the offensive end with 22 points and 11 assists, explained the defensive mindset after the win.

“With Shai, you’re never going to stop him completely,” Haliburton said. “But you can make it hard. We wanted to show him bodies, keep him off balance, and not let him find his spots easily.”

That strategy worked. Gilgeous-Alexander was held nearly seven points below his postseason average of 30.7 points per game, and he only attempted 17 shots, far fewer than his typical volume.

Shai’s Analysis: “We Weren’t Moving the Ball”

Beyond the Pacers’ defense, Shai also pointed to Oklahoma City’s lack of offensive fluidity. The Thunder, known for their ball movement and spacing, seemed bogged down in isolation plays and forced shots late in the clock.

“We didn’t move the ball the way we usually do,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We got stuck. When I was getting double-teamed or seeing help early, we didn’t capitalize like we should have.”

This stagnation allowed Indiana to load up defensively without fear of being burned by backdoor cuts or quick passing sequences. The Thunder’s offense slowed significantly in the fourth quarter, and by the final buzzer, they looked out of sync—a far cry from the free-flowing unit that cruised through the Western Conference.

Pacers’ Paint Presence: Turner and Siakam Lock It Down

Indiana’s frontcourt duo of Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam deserve major credit for their rim protection and versatility in switching assignments. On several occasions, when Shai tried to drive or attack downhill, the paint was clogged with help defenders ready to contest his floaters and layups.

Turner, in particular, recorded three blocks and altered many more shots, making Gilgeous-Alexander think twice before entering the lane.

“They closed the paint well,” Shai said. “They made it tough to get all the way to the rim, which is a big part of my game.”

Thunder’s Supporting Cast Falters

Another factor that limited Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact was the lack of support from the Thunder’s role players. Normally reliable scorers like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren had inconsistent performances, missing open looks and failing to exploit the defensive attention directed at Shai.

Without reliable secondary scoring, the Pacers were able to focus even more intently on the MVP. Shai emphasized that the Thunder need to respond collectively, not just as individuals.

“It’s not just on me,” he said. “We all have to be sharper, move better off the ball, and be ready to hit shots.”

Coach Daigneault: “We’ll Make the Right Adjustments”

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the effectiveness of Indiana’s game plan and vowed that his team would respond in Game 4.

“They defended well, no doubt,” Daigneault said. “But we’ve seen every kind of defense this season. We’ll go back, watch film, and come back with better counters.”

The coaching staff now faces the challenge of freeing up Gilgeous-Alexander from double-teams and traps while re-engaging the team’s off-ball movement and spacing.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Star Turn

While the Thunder were searching for answers, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with poise, nearly recording a triple-double. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking while also spearheading the defense on Shai made a massive impact.

Haliburton’s postgame comments showed a team unified in purpose.

“We’ve got a group of guys who trust each other,” he said. “If we do our jobs and follow the game plan, we know we can win.”

With Bennedict Mathurin contributing 27 points off the bench, the Pacers had firepower from multiple sources—a contrast to Oklahoma City’s offense, which leaned too heavily on Shai.

Game 4 Becomes a Must-Win for the Thunder

Now trailing 2-1 in the series, the Thunder face a critical moment. A win in Game 4 would level the series and steal back home-court advantage. But a loss would put them in a 3-1 hole—a deficit few teams recover from in the Finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knows the magnitude of what’s ahead.

“We’ve been here before,” he said confidently. “We’re not rattled. We know what we need to fix.”

That confidence is backed by experience. Though a young team, the Thunder have faced adversity all season long. Game 4 presents their toughest test yet.

Stats from Game 3:

• Pacers 116, Thunder 107

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST

• Tyrese Haliburton: 22 PTS, 11 AST, 9 REB

• Bennedict Mathurin: 27 PTS (off bench)

• Thunder’s shooting: 44.3% FG, 30.2% from 3

• Pacers’ shooting: 49.5% FG, 37.5% from 3

NBA Finals Schedule Update

• Game 4: Friday, June 14 – 8:30 PM ET

• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

• Broadcast: ABC

Conclusion: Defense Wins Championships—Pacers Make Their Case

In a postseason defined by offensive highlights, it was defense that decided Game 3. The Indiana Pacers did what few teams have been able to do—contain the MVP, and they now hold a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals because of it.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to his credit, owned up to the performance and praised the Pacers’ defensive execution. But now it’s his turn to respond. The Finals are far from over, but momentum is shifting—and the Thunder must adjust quickly.

Game 4 is now not just another game. It’s a test of character, a battle of strategies, and a defining moment for both Shai and the Thunder’s title hopes.