{"id":90958,"date":"2025-06-11T08:47:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T08:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/90958\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T08:47:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T08:47:11","slug":"tyrese-haliburton-using-film-school-to-decode-thunders-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/90958\/","title":{"rendered":"Tyrese Haliburton using film school to decode Thunder’s defense"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Pacers stars under pressure ahead of Game 3<\/p>\n

The Pacers need more from both Tyrese Halliburton and Pascal Siakam to turn the tide against the Thunder.<\/p>\n

INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 Tyrese Haliburton used to have the video staff assemble clips of his made shots and assists.<\/p>\n

Then, Rick Carlisle became his coach with the Indiana Pacers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s really helped me learn how to watch film, which I think is important,\u201d Haliburton said<\/a>. \u201cI think that’s something that’s not talked about enough.\u00a0\u2026 If you’re just watching and trying to find your highlights, that’s much different than really trying to dissect things.”<\/p>\n

Carlisle and Haliburton are spending time dissecting video of Oklahoma City\u2019s defense on Haliburton and the Pacers through the first two games<\/a> of the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

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While the series is tied at 1-1, the Thunder have led for all but one minute and 53.3 seconds of the 96 minutes over two games.<\/p>\n

Headed into Game 3 Wednesday, June 11<\/a> (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), attention is on Haliburton and his ability to break down Oklahoma City\u2019s top-ranked defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ve gone through these situations many times, not only during the playoffs but during the regular season, not just this season but prior seasons,\u201d Carlilse said. \u201cWe’re going to have to adjust and create better situations. We’re going to have to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the Thunder\u2019s 123-107 victory in Game 2 on Sunday, June 8, Haliburton scored 17 points and had six assists, but 12 points came in the fourth quarter when the Thunder had established control.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t mean the Pacers can\u2019t learn from those points and help Haliburton create better offensive opportunities.<\/p>\n

Carlisle and Haliburton acknowledged that it is difficult playing against the Thunder\u2019s top-ranked defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cOklahoma City has more people to throw at a great player \u2013 really at both of our All-Stars,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cThey can throw bigger, smaller, medium guys at Tyrese and at Pascal (Siakam). It’s one of their strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Thunder made a change to their lineup at the start of the Finals, inserting Cason Wallace into the starting lineup and putting Isaiah Hartenstein on the bench. That gives the Thunder more versatility with a smaller but still strong lineup. That decision takes away some of Indiana\u2019s ability to find favorable matchups.<\/p>\n

According to nba.com player-tracking data, Oklahoma City\u2019s Lu Dort, a first-team All-Defensive selection this season, Jalen Williams, a second-team All-Defensive selection this season, Alex Caruso, an All-Defensive choice in 2023 and 2024, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are guarding Haliburton the most. They are using their size, strength and speed to help defend Haliburton.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got more guys than most teams in the NBA that are high level at the point of attack,\u201d Haliburton said. \u201cThey’re really connected on the defensive end. I feel like they mix up coverages. I think (Thunder) coach (Mark) Daigneault isn’t afraid to do things on the fly. He doesn’t do everything that’s like very traditional.\u201d<\/p>\n

Haliburton hinted at a couple of solutions. Getting into the offense quicker in the shotclock and curtailing pick-and-roll sets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat starts with me just getting us in better positions, playing out of different spots, all those things,\u201d Haliburton said. \u201cDefinitely got to mix it up against these guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

OPINION: Pacers cannot keep relying on crazy comebacks. They must start quicker, finish stronger.<\/a><\/p>\n

During the regular season, 37.7% of Indiana\u2019s shots were taken with 15 or more seconds remaining on the 24-second shot clock. In the Finals, just 30.5% of the Pacers\u2019 shot attempts came with 15 or more seconds on the shot clock.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I probably got caught in too many high pick-and-rolls where they can really pack it in and end up getting shots late against the clock, especially the first half of both games,\u201d Haliburton said.<\/p>\n

In the fourth quarter of Game 2, the Pacers found success getting Haliburton the basketball on the go, using multiple screens to give him space in the paint and at the 3-point line.<\/p>\n

None of that is easy, especially with the Thunder using their physicality, and Haliburton is a banged up with what he termed a \u201clower (right) leg thing\u201d but he says he is fine and will be ready for Game 3.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep watching film, see where I can get better,\u201d Haliburton said. \u201cThe answers always lie in the film.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt<\/a><\/p>\n