{"id":96123,"date":"2025-06-13T14:30:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T14:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/96123\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T14:30:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T14:30:20","slug":"nba-starting-5-june-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/96123\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Starting 5, June 13"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Pacers\u2019 pulse, turning up the volume.<\/p>\n

Game 4 of the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV tips off tonight in Indiana (8:30 ET, ABC<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"T.J.<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

June 13, 2025<\/p>\n

Game 4 In 2 Minutes: High stakes, an electric environment and everything in between<\/p>\n

Defensive Difference: How Indy stymied OKC\u2019s high-powered offense in Game 3<\/p>\n

What They\u2019re Saying: Carlisle\u2019s message, McConnell\u2019s moment and the Thunder\u2019s mantra<\/p>\n

Game 3 Frames: Snapshots from Indiana\u2019s long-awaited return to basketball\u2019s biggest stage<\/p>\n

Unforgettable: The true story behind Steve Kerr\u2019s Game 6 winner of the 1997 NBA Finals<\/p>\n

1. GAME 4 IN 2 MINUTES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW<\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

The state of Indiana waited a quarter century to host another NBA Finals game \u2013 and Wednesday\u2019s Game 3 delivered, pushing the Pacers two wins shy of their first-ever NBA title.<\/p>\n

Forty-eight hours after a win 25 years in the making, Indy is ready to rattle Gainbridge Fieldhouse again \u2013 with even more at stake tonight (8:30 ET, ABC).<\/p>\n

The Stakes For Indy: A win would make the Pacers the 39th team to take a 3-1 series lead in the Finals. Of those previous 38 teams, 37 went on to win the title (97.4%)
\nThe Stakes For OKC: Teams down 2-1 on the road in the Finals are 10-9 all-time in Game 4, with three straight victories. Of those previous 10 winners, seven went on to win the series (70%)<\/p>\n

\"Rick<\/p>\n

More Than A Game:\u00a0In a state synonymous with hoops, the Pacers come into Game 4 with one of the league\u2019s top home-court advantages \u2014 powered by a 17,274 Hoosiers turning up the volume inside Gainbridge<\/p>\n

Home Cooking: With Wednesday\u2019s win, the Pacers improved to 36-13 at home this season, including a 7-2 Playoff record (77.8%) \u2014 trailing only the Thunder at 9-2 (81.8%)
\nBest In The Building: Since Jan. 1, Indy and OKC not only boast the top two records (reg+post) but also the two best home records, with neither team dropping more than seven games in their own building in the last six months
\n\u2018Absolutely Deafening\u2019:\u00a0See what Pat McAfee, Shea Serrano, Kevin O\u2019Connor & more\u00a0had to say<\/a>\u00a0about an epic Game 3 in front of a loud Indy crowd<\/p>\n

\"Tyrese<\/p>\n

Stephen Gosling\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Stars Shining: At the epicenter of this back-and-forth Finals are Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander \u2013 two stars trading signature moments as they look to steer their cities to their first NBA title.<\/p>\n

Back In Control: After playing hero in Game 1, Haliburton put together his most complete performance of the series in Game 3, finishing one rebound shy of a triple-double (22 pts, 9 reb, 11 ast)
\nBuilt For This: After scoring an NBA record 72 points in his first two career Finals games, SGA added to his historic postseason, dropping 24 to surpass Kevin Durant (570) for the most points in a single Playoff run in OKC history
\nBench Boost: But it was Indy\u2019s depth that made the difference, fueled by historic nights<\/a> from Bennedict Mathurin (27 pts) and T.J. McConnell (10 pts, 5 ast, 5 stl), as the Pacers outscored OKC 49-18 in bench points<\/p>\n

\"Thunder\"<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Always Answering: The Thunder may be the second-youngest team in the shot clock era to reach the Finals, but they\u2019ve weathered a similar storm before \u2013 in these Playoffs.<\/p>\n

D\u00e9j\u00e0 Vu: In the West Semis against Denver, OKC lost Game 1 at home on a last-second shot, bounced back with a 15+ point win in Game 2, then lost by nine on the road in Game 3
\nSound Familiar? That exact sequence has played out in these Finals, and OKC went on to win Game 4 \u2013 and three of the next four \u2013 to oust Denver in seven
\nIt\u2019s What They Do: The Thunder are an NBA-best 17-2 following a loss this season, including a perfect 5-0 in the Playoffs
\n\u201cWe have to get back to being who we are,\u201d said Chet Holmgren ahead of Game 4. \u201cWe have to close out possessions, we have to take care of the ball and execute to the level and standard that we expect from us.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. DEFENSIVE DIFFERENCE: HOW INDY STIFLED OKC\u2019S ATTACK IN GAME 3<\/p>\n

\"Tyrese<\/p>\n

Joe Murphy\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In a seven-game series, the margins shrink. Every possession, every switch, every subtle tweak can swing the outcome.<\/p>\n

After being held to 110 points in Game 1, OKC\u2019s high-octane offense made the first move, countering with 123 in Game 2 \u2013 powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander\u2019s masterful showing (34 pts, 8 ast).<\/p>\n

To regain control of the series, Indiana had to do something few teams had managed all season \u2013 contain the Kia NBA MVP.<\/p>\n

At the heart of that challenge is an evolving chess match between SGA and Andrew Nembhard \u2013 two lifelong friends<\/a> battling on basketball\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

Action: In Game 2, Nembhard guarded SGA 64.3% of the time they shared the floor. In that time, Shai tallied 7 points on 50% shooting and 3 assists. On the 35.7% of possessions when other Pacers guarded him, SGA scored 27
\nReaction: So how did Rick Carlisle and the Pacers respond? By upping Nembhard\u2019s role in Game 3, assigning him to SGA on 78.6% of shared possessions \u2014 his highest rate all series
\nExecution: In those possessions (9:51 of gametime), Nembhard held Shai to 6 points on 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%) along with three turnovers<\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t just the time Nembhard spent guarding SGA that made the difference \u2013 it was how he guarded him, picking him up full-court, while Indy waited to pounce with traps and doubles.<\/p>\n

\"T.J.<\/p>\n

Here, Nembhard is in SGA\u2019s jersey from the inbound, forcing multiple changes of direction before luring him into a trap with Myles Turner and forcing a jump ball.<\/p>\n

Nembhard hounded SGA baseline to baseline all game, helping Indiana wear down the MVP over four quarters. By night\u2019s end, SGA had logged 1.62 miles on offense \u2014 the most of any Thunder player.<\/p>\n

On the other side, no Pacer covered more defensive ground than \u2013 guess who \u2013 Nembhard (1.32 miles).<\/p>\n

\"Aaron<\/p>\n

Even in the halfcourt, Indy made SGA work for every shot. When he tries to isolate Nembhard on the wing, he\u2019s met with two quick doubles, ultimately forcing a tough, contested fadeaway.<\/p>\n

Cat & Mouse: Like all great players, SGA adjusted \u2013 turning to playmaking when doubles came, drawing help and finding teammates for open looks.<\/p>\n

\"Pacers<\/p>\n

With all five Pacers keyed on SGA, he draws the defense in and threads a dime to Isaiah Hartenstein for an easy dunk.<\/p>\n

But Indy saved its sharpest adjustment for the 4th. Rather than sending multiple on-ball defenders at SGA, the Pacers denied him touches altogether \u2013 with Nembhard face-guarding him off-ball, while Indy swarmed OKC\u2019s secondary ballhandlers.<\/p>\n

\"Pacers<\/p>\n

With Nembhard locking off SGA, Indy disrupts OKC\u2019s rhythm \u2013 creating an unfamiliar 4-on-4 look that leads to a rushed possession and a late turnover. It was one of 13 live-ball turnovers for OKC, the most it\u2019s committed all Playoffs and the second-most all season.<\/p>\n

The Pacers finished the 4th with four steals and five blocks, holding OKC to a Playoff-low 18 points in the quarter and just one field goal in the final 5:57 \u2013 a late lockdown that\u2019s become part of their clutch identity.<\/p>\n

Dominant Storm: The Thunder entered the Finals averaging 28.8 ppg on 46.6% shooting in the 4th for a +10.8 NetRtg
\nNew Pace: In the Finals, Indy has held OKC to 24.3 ppg in the 4th on 37.5% shooting for a -42.9 NetRtg
\nThe Result? Indy has won all three 4th quarters, outscoring OKC 100-73 to take control of the series<\/p>\n

\u201cThey really outplayed us in the 4th,\u201d said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault on Thursday. \u201cThey played with great energy. They were physical. And they sustained it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, we need to impose our style and our will if we want to come on the road and get a win.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. WHAT THEY\u2019RE SAYING: INDY\u2019S GRINDSET, OKC STAYING LEVEL<\/p>\n

\"Lu<\/p>\n

Rick Carlisle cut off a reporter when asked about the Pacers\u2019 approach with another 2-1 series lead this postseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a daunting challenge,\u201d Carlisle said. \u201cAnything less than a total grit mindset, we just don\u2019t have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with several of his players Thursday, he faced the media after practice in the leadup to tonight\u2019s Game 4. Indiana has a chance to head back to Oklahoma City with a 3-1 advantage in tow.<\/p>\n

McConnell Mania: The gutty, gritty performance of T.J. McConnell and his unprecedented Finals stat line off the bench (10 pts, 5 ast, 5 stl) is a big reason why
\nRole Player: Regularly operating as a reserve, he embraces what his team asks of him, and did that to a T in Game 3, igniting the Indy crowd to seize momentum
\n\u201cJust trying to do my job. Really that\u2019s all it comes down to,\u201d McConnell said. \u201cNothing more, nothing less.\u201d
\nExtra Meaning: The night was even more special because of who was in attendance. His grandfather sat in the stands Wednesday<\/a> following the loss of his wife in late May
\n\u201cThe fact that he made the trip here to come watch me play,\u201d McConnell said. \u201cI can\u2019t put into words how much it meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Thunder\"<\/p>\n

Zach Beeker\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Steady OKC: Game 3 wasn\u2019t a familiar feeling for the Thunder, who posted an NBA-best 68-14 regular-season record and the highest NetRtg in league history.<\/p>\n

But that doesn\u2019t make this a foreign spot.<\/p>\n

Precedent: After falling into a 2-1 hole in the West Semis, OKC held Denver to 87 points to take Game 4 en route to three wins in four games to advance
\nBread & Butter: In those four games, SGA averaged 30.8 ppg on 55.8% shooting, while the Thunder held the Nuggets to just 39.8% from the floor<\/p>\n

The group is steadied by one mantra throughout this Playoff run \u2013 \u201cbe where your feet are.\u201d It\u2019s been a principle since last season, and often guided them in moments like these.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just something to remind us how far we\u2019ve come,\u201d said Jalen Williams. \u201cThe more we can get back to zero, the better we\u2019ll be.\u201d
\nReady To Compete:\u00a0The secret to Alex Caruso\u2019s rise?\u00a0\u201cWherever I was, just being really present and competing,\u201d\u00a0he told<\/a>\u00a0Player Correspondent Matas Buzelis<\/p>\n

4. GAME 3 FRAMES: INDIANA\u2019S LONG-AWAITED FINALS RETURN<\/p>\n

The last time Indiana hosted an NBA Finals game, Pluto was still a planet, \u2018apps\u2019 still meant appetizers and three of the Pacers\u2019 five current starters were in diapers.<\/p>\n

Then, Wednesday happened. And Indy didn\u2019t disappoint.<\/p>\n

Before the Fieldhouse roars again tonight, let\u2019s take a look back at eight of our favorite frames from a night 25 years in the making.<\/p>\n

\"Gainbridge<\/p>\n

A.J. Mast\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Pacers\"<\/p>\n

Garrett Ellwood\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Tyrese<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

Garrett Ellwood\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"T.J.<\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Bennedict<\/p>\n

Garrett Ellwood\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Obi<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Reggie<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

5. UNFORGETTABLE: INSIDE STEVE KERR\u2019S 1997 GAME 6 WINNER<\/p>\n

\"Steve<\/p>\n

Jonathan Daniel\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

With a 3-2 series lead over the Jazz in the 1997 Finals, the Bulls needed one last bucket in Game 6 to clinch their fifth title in seven years.<\/p>\n

With less than 10 seconds left and the score tied at 86, the ball found its way to Michael Jordan (39 pts) \u2014 who had won Game 1 with a go-ahead bucket in the final seconds.<\/p>\n

But this time, Utah refused to let Jordan have it, sending both Byron Russell and John Stockton to double-team him. That\u2019s when MJ found a wide-open Steve Kerr at the top of the key.<\/p>\n

With seven points on the night, Kerr stepped into a 17-foot jumper, elevated and drew nothing but net with five ticks left to secure the title \u2013 28 years ago today.<\/p>\n

Days later at the championship parade, Kerr famously joked<\/a> he had to \u2018bail Michael out again\u2019 with the game-winner.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s how he really remembers the moment leading up to the shot:<\/p>\n

\"Steve<\/p>\n

\u201cMichael won Game 1 in the same situation. We knew they weren\u2019t going to let him do it again, and I had a feeling Stockton was gonna leave me. He\u2019s been leaving me a lot this series and I haven\u2019t made him pay\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Michael turned to me during the timeout. I saw him thinking for a long time \u2013 he was just kind of sitting there thinking about what was going on and finally he turned to me and he said, \u2018You be ready. Stockton\u2019s gonna come off of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, \u2018I\u2019ll be ready. I\u2019ll knock it down.\u2019 \u2026 And I was like (to myself), \u2018Will I?\u2019 \u2026 But I told him that I was going to do it \u2026 and I\u2019m just so thankful\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was great to see my whole family out there in the stands tonight \u2013 my brother, my mom, my wife and kids \u2013 and what a thrill\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever could have expected this \u2013 to hit the game-winning shot in the NBA Finals \u2013 I mean, this is a joke. I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m sitting up here \u2026 But I felt their support tonight and \u2013 what a feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n