The Indiana Pacers were able to secure a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and one of the key factors in their success was their ability to limit the impact of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In a recent article for X, basketball legend Magic Johnson delved into the tactics used by the Pacers to neutralize the Thunder’s star player.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the playoffs, averaging 23.7 points per game and leading the Thunder to a surprising run to the Finals. However, in Game 3, the Pacers were able to minimize his impact on the court, holding him to just 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

So, what exactly did the Pacers do to limit Gilgeous-Alexander? According to Johnson, it was a combination of smart defensive strategies and a team effort.

First and foremost, the Pacers made sure to always have a defender on Gilgeous-Alexander, denying him any open looks and making it difficult for him to get into a rhythm. They also used a variety of defenders on him, including their best perimeter defenders like Victor Oladipo and Malcolm Brogdon, to keep him on his toes and prevent him from getting comfortable.

But it wasn’t just about individual defenders. The Pacers also utilized a team defensive approach, constantly communicating and switching on screens to make it harder for Gilgeous-Alexander to find open space. This forced him to take more difficult shots and limited his ability to create for his teammates.

In addition, the Pacers were able to capitalize on Gilgeous-Alexander’s weaknesses. Johnson pointed out that the young guard tends to struggle against physical defenders, and the Pacers took advantage of this by being physical with him and not giving him any easy baskets.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Pacers’ defensive performance was their ability to limit Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact in transition. The Thunder thrive in the open court, and Gilgeous-Alexander is a key part of their fast-paced offense. However, the Pacers were able to slow down the game and prevent the Thunder from getting out in transition, effectively neutralizing one of their biggest strengths.

Overall, the Pacers’ defensive game plan against Gilgeous-Alexander was a masterclass in how to limit a star player. They were able to disrupt his rhythm, take away his strengths, and force him into difficult shots. And as a result, they were able to come away with a huge win in Game 3.

But it wasn’t just about the defense. The Pacers also had a strong offensive performance, with Oladipo leading the way with 30 points. Johnson praised Oladipo’s leadership and ability to step up in big moments, highlighting his crucial role in the Pacers’ victory.

With this win, the Pacers have taken a 2-1 lead in the series and have firmly established themselves as a contender for the NBA championship. And while there is still a long road ahead, their ability to limit a player like Gilgeous-Alexander gives them a significant advantage in the series.

In conclusion, the Indiana Pacers’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 was a testament to their strong defensive game plan and team effort. By limiting the impact of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they were able to secure a crucial win and put themselves in a strong position to win the NBA Finals. And with players like Victor Oladipo leading the way, the Pacers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.