As the NBA Finals reach their climax with a winner-take-all Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday, it's time to delve into some potential keys for the final game of the 2024-25 season. Firstly, the Pacers must continue to share the ball. The team's dynamic offensive force has impressed with its ability to overwhelm an otherwise elite Thunder defense. This is achieved by not forcing the ball in one specific direction. Every Pacer who has logged over 100 minutes in these Finals is averaging double-digit scoring, and head coach Rick Carlisle has made his offense unpredictable by involving so many players in the scoring. Secondly, the Pacers should allow Oklahoma City's core players to take 3-pointers, at least initially. While letting players shoot is rarely a good strategy, the Pacers shouldn't be afraid of letting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren test their range in Game 7. If the Big 3 miss early, stick with it. If they start to hit, make adjustments and force them into the mid-range area. Keeping Gilgeous-Alexander out of the paint is crucial for the Pacers, as it drastically limits his chances of drawing fouls on overly eager defenders biting on his shot-fakes near the rim. Thirdly, the Pacers must hang onto the ball at all costs. Despite being one of the best teams in the league in limiting turnovers, the Pacers have turned the ball over 99 times in this series. Tyrese Haliburton has struggled in particular, with 21 of those turnovers coming at his expense. He will have to be mindful of his surroundings, float away from traps and double-teams, and have teammates ready to help as soon as he feels pressure. Limiting mistakes will give the Pacers a strong chance at identifying a more stable offensive flow. Lastly, Myles Turner is the primary X-factor for the Pacers. If he starts hitting his 3-pointers and can give his team an offensive boost, it will make life much easier for the Pacers. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the key is to make shots. Even the most skilled coach can lose games if players fail to convert on simple shot attempts. The Thunder's defense is better than their offense this postseason, and that's kicking them in the butt during these Finals. Holmgren in particular is struggling, scoring just 68 points on 68 shots in the series and making only 11.8% of his 3-point shots. If Holmgren can find his shooting touch, it will be a huge boost for the Thunder's offense.
