3-2 to win the Tianwang Mountain! Jewish 40+6+4, Alexander 31+10, Halliburton failed 0 of 6

On June 17, 2024, the Thunder and the Pacers launched the Battle of Tianwang Mountain in the 2024-25 NBA Finals. After four fierce confrontations, the Thunder finally defeated the Pacers 120-109, rewriting the series score to 3-2, and taking the lead in ushering in the championship match point.

Game data overview

Pacers, Halliburton scored only 4 points in the whole game, plus 7 rebounds and 6 assists, with an extremely low shooting percentage (0 of 6 shots); Siakam contributed 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks; Turner scored 13 points and 6 rebounds; although Nembhard had 7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, he also made 4 turnovers; Nesmith and Toppin scored 14 points and 12 points respectively; Mathering scored 7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks; McConnell contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals for the Pacers.

In the Thunder, Alexander performed very well, scoring 31 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals. In addition, he also sent 4 blocks; Jaylen Williams was in a hot state, scoring 40 points, plus 6 rebounds and 4 assists; Homgren scored 9 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks; Dort contributed 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Harten scored 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists; Wiggins contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds; Wallace contributed 11 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals for the Thunder; Caruso scored 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and had 4 steals.

Match progress Review

At the beginning of the game, the Thunder showed a strong offensive. Harten completed a dunk after receiving the ball at the basket, setting the team's first record. Subsequently, Nembhard and Siakam of the Pacers made consecutive mid-range shots, and Sika caused a lot of trouble to the Thunder through three-pointers. However, after Alexander made both free throws, Jewe made a counterattack dunk, and the Thunder continued to widen the gap. After Turner made a strong hit at the basket, Chett made a three-pointer, pulling the score open again. The Pacers ended up trailing the Thunder 22-32 despite Nesmith's three-pointer response.

In the second quarter, after Wiggins made an open three-pointer, Sika scored 4 points in a row, and the Pacers rebounded slightly. McConnell's three-pointer once recovered some difference for the Pacers, but the Thunder once again scored a 7-0 climax, stretching to 15 points with the joint performance of Javier and Alexander. Since then, Nembhard and Toppin scored consecutively, but the Thunder still maintained a big advantage. After halftime, the Thunder led by 14 points 59-45. In the third quarter, Alexander of the Thunder quickly found the offensive rhythm and made continuous mid-range shots. Sika and Nesmith scored 5 points in a row for the Pacers, gradually narrowing the gap. However, the Thunder's Javi and Alexander once again joined forces to a climax, and the score difference was once again widened to 18 points. Although the Pacers had McConnell's breakthrough and Toppin's free throw response, they were unable to resist the Thunder's offensive. At the end of the third quarter, the Pacers still trailed 79-87.

Entering the fourth quarter, Siakam's three-pointer once brought hope to the Pacers, but Wiggins and Alexander of the Thunder scored one after another, and the gap widened again. Although the Pacers once narrowed to four points with Sika's three-pointer and Turner's free throw, Jewe and Wallace's key scores once again stabilized the situation. By the end of the game, the Thunder had already firmly controlled the situation and finally won 120-109.

Post-match analysis

After this victory, the Thunder stood on the threshold of the championship, and they were only one victory away from winning the championship trophy. The Thunder demonstrated strong defensive ability in this game, and the team worked together to send 15 steals and 12 blocks. The pressure on the defensive end made the Pacers make up to 22 mistakes in the whole game. Especially on the offensive end, the outstanding performance of Javi and Alexander became the key to the Thunder's victory. On the Pacers, they were obviously suppressed by the Thunder's defense, especially in terms of turnovers, with 22 mistakes directly affecting their game rhythm. Halliburton's downturn is also one of the important factors in Pacers' failure. To get a round back, the Pacers must improve offensive efficiency in the next game, especially reduce turnovers and allow Halliburton to regain the offensive feel.

Summary

Thunder are only one step away from the championship. If they can maintain their current strong performance, especially continue to use the starting lineup of the two towers to increase the pressure on the defensive end, they may be able to win the championship in advance. The Pacers are facing a desperate situation. Only when all the players recover their form can they continue their dreams this season.

Starting lineup between the two sides

Pacers: Nembhard, Halliburton, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner

Thunder: Hartenstein, Alexander, Dort, Jewy, Homgren