OKC wasnt just good this season they were elite.
Second-best record in the league, second in net rating, and one of only two teams to finish top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Theyve been a machine on both ends all year.
But Indiana? Theyre no fluke either. After starting the season 10-15 a stretch that included injuries to key starters like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith the Pacers have ripped off a 52-21 run. Thats more wins over that stretch than any team not named the Thunder.
These are the two best teams in the league since New Years Day. Still, theres a noticeable gap in how dominant OKC has looked.
Theyre historically great on both sides of the ball, said Tyrese Haliburton. They have the MVP. I mean, theres so many different things that you could go up and down the list of why they are so great and what they do, and why theyre such a great team.
OKC took both regular-season games against Indiana. In the second one, they dropped a 133.3 offensive rating, while Indiana had its fourth-worst defensive outing of the season.
The Thunder had almost a full week off before Game 1, but SGA still hasnt reflected on the season that was.
Honestly, not really. Ive been so focused on Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. Being the best version of myself for this group and trying to make sure were clicking on all cylinders on the biggest stage for our careers, thats been the front of my mind.
He added,Thats all Im really worried about, when I do worry about basketball, he said. I havent taken the time to look back, see all the things weve done. But I will when its all over, for sure.
The Pacers know theyre not the favorites, once again. They knocked out the top-seeded Cavs and then sent the Knicks home. But theyre embracing that underdog label for the third straight series.
We know the odds are stacked against us, but you know, it is what it is, Haliburton said. We want to be here. We want to play against the best, and this is the best. So were looking forward to challenges.
Pascal Siakam echoed that mentality.
I think we focus on ourselves, he said. I think I dont think we expect anyone to pick us up. And thats been like that the whole playoffs. Its been like that the whole season. So I think for us, nothing really changes. Its always been us against anyone, so it doesnt change.
And if the Pacers are gonna do it, Haliburton wouldnt have it any other way.
If were gonna win a championship, I dont wanna win any other way, he said. I dont wanna go around or go over. I wanna go through the best team. Theyre well-coached. Theres no shortcuts with this team.
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