OKC Thunder Receive Stat Boost Despite Losing Game 3 of NBA Finals

An interesting stat gives the Thunder fans a glimmer of hope as they approach a crucial Game 4 against the Pacers in the coming days.

OKC Thunder Receive Stat Boost Despite Losing Game 3 of NBA Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image by FirstSportz)

Basketball fans and commentators believed that the Oklahoma City Thunder was the league’s top team during the most recent regular season. OKC seems ready to win it all under the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a starting lineup that has improved during the offseason and a strong bench. However, currently they trail the Indiana Pacers 2-1 in the NBA Finals, with their most recent loss coming on Wednesday.

Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers’ superstars, were expected to perform on the court after a disappointing Game 2. Understanding the stakes, the duo played as they should have, combining for an incredible 43 points. In the end, the Pacers won Game 3 against the Thunder on Wednesday by a score of nine points.

Despite the Pacers leading in the NBA Finals series, an interesting stat was posted by @dailythunder on X, providing some hope for the Thunder fans. As per the post, “Under the 2-2-1-1-1 format, lower seeded teams up 2-1 have yet to win the NBA Finals.”

So, what is the 2-2-1-1-1 format? The 2–2–1–1–1 format was reinstated in 2014. The first two games are hosted by the team with the higher regular-season record, and the next two games are hosted by the opposing team. Starting with the venue of the team with the higher regular season record, the remaining three are played alternatively at each team’s home arena if necessary.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have struggled to handle the Indiana Pacers’ physicality in the NBA Finals throughout their two losses thus far. The Pacers made sure, first and foremost, that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not receiving preferential treatment from officials. Now, with this unique stat in their favor, only time will tell whether or not the Thunder prove it right or wrong.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the Game 3 loss against the Pacers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s trademark pull-up mid-range jumper clattered off the rim when he faced Pascal Siakam late in the 4th. He finished with eight rebounds, four assists, and 24 points on 9 of 20 shooting. He made five of six free throws and one of three three-pointers. He had three blocks, too. This was quite a mediocre performance as per SGA’s standards.

In addition, the Thunder star opened up on his performance as well as his side’s loss to the Pacers in Game 3.

They were aggressive. They were heavy in the crowd. I’m not sure how many points they had, but it felt like when they scored, we’re going against a set defense, and it’s always harder against a set defense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said

As SGA mentions in terms of the game itself, this one was about the Gainbridge Fieldhouse’s fight of the finest defenses. The Oklahoma City Thunder had limited room because of the host team’s outstanding defense. Something SGA and Co. will have to figure out as soon as possible, going into an important Game 4 away from home.

A former NBA player had an interesting take on the MVP race

Former NBA player John Salley, the first guy to win an NBA championship with three separate teams, is well-versed in the art of good basketball. In a recent interview with DJ Vlad of the well-known “VladTV” YouTube station, Salley shared his opinions on why SGA was able to keep Nikola Jokic from taking home his fourth MVP honor.

I think [SGA] is worthy of the MVP, 100%. But if you’re going with stats, Joker had better stats. But the MVP is for the league, and I think the image of the league was better with Shai.

John Salley said on VladTV

After describing SGA as “younger, more flamboyant, more interactive” than Jokic, Salley claimed that the Serbian big man lacked “the personality that the NBA wanted to explore.” It’s also important to keep in mind that team victories have always been taken into account when determining the MVP winner, and 68 victories represent a tie for the sixth-highest winning regular season in history.

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