OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers’ potential championship journey would showcase Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch shooting, effective ball distribution, enhanced defense, and Rick Carlisle’s strategic coaching decisions, along with strong support from their bench. However, claiming the 2025 championship hinges on one crucial factor:
Winning on the road. The Pacers’ postseason record away from home stands at an impressive 7-3, considering that six victories came against higher-seeded teams. Their mental resilience and confidence are exceptional, as evidenced by past NBA champions who couldn’t match this winning record. If the Pacers secure another road win in the 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, this remarkable feat will deserve recognition on their championship rings.
The task remains for the Pacers: triumph on Monday (8:30 ET, ABC) at Paycom Center or, if needed, in a potential Game 7. The Thunder’s home venue is known for its loud atmosphere, posing challenges due to their skill and the intense environment reminiscent of college basketball.
Nonetheless, the Pacers could pose a significant threat in Game 5, given their track record of overcoming disruptions and quieting hostile crowds. Their playoff experience, including victories at Madison Square Garden, showcases their capability to handle pressure situations. “Stay in the moment,” said Pacers center Myles Turner, emphasizing the importance of embracing these high-stakes environments and uniting during tough moments.
Indiana’s 7 Postseason Road Victories, Ranked
1. Game 1, Eastern Conference Finals
Score: 138-135 (OT) in New York
A pivotal shot by Haliburton at the buzzer led to overtime, ultimately honoring the legacy of Reggie Miller.
2. Game 1, NBA Finals
Score: 111-110 in OKC
Haliburton’s late-game heroics shocked the Thunder and set an ominous tone for the Finals.
Pacers’ Concerns for Game 5
1. Siakam’s Involvement
The Pacers need their leading scorer Pascal Siakam to be more active, especially after a limited fourth quarter in Game 4.
2. Defense on Gilgeous-Alexander
Containing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is critical, especially following his strong performance in Game 4.
3. Turner’s Performance
Turner must step up offensively and defensively, despite facing challenges due to illness throughout the series.
4. Aggressiveness from Haliburton
“It’s going to be a tough game,” stated guard Andrew Nembhard, underscoring the need for a collective effort to handle the crowd’s pressure.
As the Pacers gear up for Game 5 and possibly Game 7, they must harness their road success and apply it to this critical matchup. “We’ve played here before,” remarked swingman Benedict Mathurin, focused on the goal of winning the next game.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here, and follow him on X.
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