Saturday, June 7th 2025, 11:28 pm
Indiana handed OKC 25 turnovers in Game 1 including 14 live-ball steals, yet the Thunder converted those into just 7 points. That’s a massive efficiency gap in a one-point game. Many of those takeaways happened near the rim or in the paint, where OKC could have pushed for immediate transition buckets. Instead, they often slowed down into half-court sets. The Thunder need to be more aggressive in Game 2, turn defense into fast-break offense before the Pacers’ transition D can get set.
Oklahoma City's decision to abandon its successful two-big lineup in Game 1 backfired. Leaving Isaiah Hartenstein out of the rotation weakened their rim protection and made them more vulnerable on the glass, where they were crushed 56–39. Reintroducing the Hartenstein-Holmgren pairing not only provides needed size but also revives OKC’s interior passing and screen-setting that fuels their offensive rhythm. Mark has consistently said Hartenstein is the best screener he has been around. Their absence contributed to just 13 assists, tied for a season low.
Chet Holmgren played just 23 minutes in Game 1 despite no foul trouble. He didn't see the floor in final 3:30 minutes. That has to change. Whether guarding Pascal Siakam with his length or sticking with Miles Turner where he's more comfortable, Holmgren needs 30+ minutes to fully impact the game. More Chet time on the floor should help him find offensive rhythm and stabilize the Thunder’s interior defense.
The Thunder’s half-court offense sputtered in Game 1. At times there was too much isolation and not enough ball movement. Yes, OKC is a heavy iso-team, but game one players right into Indiana hands. Screening off, letting Indiana stay glued to ball-handlers. For Game 2, OKC must reestablish offensive structure: crisp screens, off-ball movement, and especially utilizing Hartenstein-Holmgren to unlock better shots and reduces reliance on late-clock bailouts.
The Thunder took 14 more shots than Indiana inside four feet but failed to capitalize, missing far too many layups and close-range looks. Rushed takes, off-balance gathers, and forcing shots in traffic played a massive role on Thursday. In Game 2, OKC needs greater control. Cleaning up these details will help convert paint touches into points and punish Indiana’s defensive breakdowns.
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Jeremie Poplin has been a trusted and familiar voice in Tulsa sports media for nearly 25 years. Jeremie serves as a sports producer and digital sports liaison for News On 6 while entering his 12th season as the radio sideline reporter and analyst for Tulsa football on Golden Hurricane Sports Properties.
June 7th, 2025
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