Download the NBA App to stay updated with the latest news, including the 2025 NBA playoffs schedule and complete coverage of the NBA playoffs. In Indianapolis, the conversation around basketball is heating up, and the excitement is palpable as teams battle for supremacy in the NBA Finals.
While it’s often said that you don’t need to be the best defensive team in the league to claim the NBA championship, a solid defensive performance is crucial for any team aiming to win four playoff series. The 2022-23 Denver Nuggets, who ranked 15th in defensive metrics during the regular season, showcased their defensive prowess during the playoffs, notably limiting the Miami Heat to just a point per possession in their last three games to secure their first title.
Fast forward two years, and the Indiana Pacers find themselves just two wins away from their first NBA championship. Their journey has been marked by a blend of offensive firepower and timely defensive plays, particularly evident in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Throughout the initial rounds of the playoffs, the Pacers primarily relied on their offense. However, to continue their success, they needed to elevate their defensive game. After a disappointing performance in Game 2—where they allowed 123 points on 97 possessions—the Pacers improved significantly in Game 3, which saw them take a 2-1 series lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
One key statistic from Game 3 was how the Pacers held the Thunder to just 18 points in one quarter, marking it as their worst offensive quarter of the series. This defensive achievement highlights the Pacers’ commitment to tightening up their game when it matters most.
1. Tough Screen Navigation: The Pacers showcased their defensive skills by effectively navigating screens and maintaining pressure on the ball handler. Despite a few hiccups, their overall screen navigation, switches, and rotations were commendable. The Thunder struggled to initiate their offense, leading to a staggering 13 live-ball turnovers—an alarming statistic for any playoff team.
2. Myles Turner’s Impact: Myles Turner stepped up his game significantly in Game 3, using aggressive pick-and-roll coverage. He executed “blitz” or “show” coverage on over half of the ball-screens he defended. His defensive efforts peaked in the fourth quarter, where he recorded five blocks, tying his career-high for a playoff game and setting a record for the most blocks in a Finals game over the past three years.
3. Aaron Nesmith’s Defensive Navigation: The Pacers’ defense was further bolstered by Aaron Nesmith, whose ability to navigate screens was pivotal. He demonstrated excellent defensive instincts by dodging multiple screens, which allowed him to maintain pressure on his assignments and create turnovers, showcasing the depth of the Pacers’ defensive strategy.
The Pacers have proven their defensive capabilities in critical moments, a trait that has helped them remain competitive throughout the playoffs. As they prepare for a crucial Game 4 on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if they can sustain their defensive intensity and move one step closer to hoisting the championship trophy.
For the latest updates and to follow the thrilling conclusion of the NBA playoffs, don’t forget to download the NBA App and catch all the action as the Indiana Pacers strive for their first title in franchise history.
