‘SGA About to Eat Them Alive”: Fans React to Staggering Indiana Pacers Stat Ahead of NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers' tendency to rack up early and needless fouls could bite them against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co.

‘SGA About to Eat Them Alive”: Fans React to Staggering Indiana Pacers Stat Ahead of NBA Finals

SGA Tyrese Haliburton (Firstsporz Image)

The Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder are lined up against each other in a mouthwatering NBA Finals series. These are two teams led by guards having really productive seasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the scoring title and the MVP while leading the OKC Thunder to a 80-19 record (including playoffs). Tyrese Haliburton is on an all-time great playoff run as a facilitator, recording multiple 10-assist games.

The Pacers have had an imperious run to this Finals series. They got past the Milwaukee Bucks despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s superhuman efforts, aided by a Damian Lillard injury. They then beat the No. 1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, capitalizing on their injuries as well. Their Conference Finals performance against the Knicks will likely be viewed as their magnum opus – certainly that of Haliburton as a clutch player.

They have the fastest pace of any NBA team this season, and one of the highest ever. They maintain a high pace of play, even pushing the tempo off made baskets from the opposition. This concerted effort to speed the game up causes a lot of opponent turnovers, which gives them a significant advantage in contrast to Haliburton’s ultra-low turnover numbers. They also beat the Knicks in transition in the ECF.

The team, however, has a few weaknesses. They are prone to lapses of concentration on the defensive end. And unlike their previous playoff opponents, the OKC Thunder have the best guard defense in the NBA. They will pester Haliburton, Nembhard and Nesmith for all 94 feet and make them earn their points. There will be no easy paint points to be gotten, and fewer open 3-pointers available.

The Indiana Pacers also have another problem, one that could absolutely haunt them in their hunt for their first NBA championship.

NBA fans react to an Indiana Pacers stat ahead of game 1 of the Finals

One of the biggest worries for head coach Rick Carlisle will be the Pacers’ fouling tendencies. While they have stoutly defended Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the whole team has battled foul trouble at one point or another. Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton have all had to sit out first half minutes due to early fouls.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the wiliest NBA players of all time at drawing fouls. He has averaged nearly 10 free throw attempts per game in this postseason. SGA has also had 11 free throws per game during past NBA regular seasons. He is likely to seek the switch onto Haliburton to try and put him in foul trouble in the Finals. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard will be his primary defenders for the most part.

However, neutral fans have no faith in the Pacers’ ability to stop bleeding fouls. It was a common sentiment on NBA Twitter when this post went viral. In particular, they believe the reigning MVP will be a thorn in their side as a consistent free-throw generator.

Free throws will undoubtedly be a significant barometer for how the Finals go.

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