On the day before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said his team is ready for the challenge and is embracing the pressure that comes with a win-or-go-home scenario.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a time to celebrate,\u201d Carlisle said during Saturday\u2019s press conference. \u201cThese moments are rare\u2026 I\u2019m very much looking forward to Game 7.\u201d<\/p>\n
No shortage of adjustments left<\/p>\n
Asked whether both teams have already shown all their strategies after six tightly contested games, Carlisle pushed back. \u201cThere are more adjustments that can be made, for sure,\u201d Carlisle said, <\/p>\n
Carlisle, who led the 2011 Dallas Mavericks to a championship, said he enjoys the high-stakes environment. \u201cI love pressure,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cWhat you learn is that these moments are rare, and trying to duplicate this kind of situation is something that you look to do in everyday life. It’s not easy to do that. It’s not easy to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
McConnell, Toppin earn praise<\/p>\n
Carlisle acknowledged comparisons between T.J. McConnell\u2019s role in this postseason and J.J. Barea\u2019s during the Mavericks\u2019 2011 title run, calling McConnell \u201cvery important\u201d to the team.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted Obi Toppin\u2019s development since joining the team in a trade with New York. Carlisle said Toppin made clear strides in rebounding and defense, two areas the staff targeted early. \u201cHe has worked extremely hard,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cAt certain points of the year, he has been one of our better defensive rebounders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Defensive commitment, balanced roster<\/p>\n
Carlisle said the Pacers’ defensive effort has been a key part of their Finals run and credited both players and assistant coaches for their consistency. He also reflected on the team\u2019s roster construction, saying Indiana has built around balance and tempo since acquiring Tyrese Haliburton. \u201cA lot of the best rosters now are built on balance, and that’s certainly what we’re trying to do,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cI think that’s what Oklahoma is doing, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loudest he\u2019s ever heard it<\/p>\n
Carlisle, now in his third stint in Indiana, reflected briefly on the atmosphere in Gainbridge Fieldhouse this postseason. <\/p>\n
Carlisle added that the moment holds deep significance for fans, referencing the franchise\u2019s near-loss decades ago before being saved by local efforts and longtime owners. \u201cThis means an awful lot to our fan base,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cWe\u2019ve just got to focus on one game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch the full press conference with Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle above.<\/p>\n
NBA Finals Coverage<\/p>\n
OKC Thunder NBA Finals<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Coaches Corner<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Keys to the NBA Finals for the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Get to know the foe: Where Thunder stands against the Pacers<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n