Pacers' strength tested at home

The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their resilience in Game 2. The Indiana Pacers know they must do the same in Game 3.

The NBA Finals resume this afternoon (6:30 p.m.) with the series tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Indianapolis, the first time the NBA has hosted such a game in 25 years.

And the Pacers know it's up to them to respond because they weren't competitive in Game 2.

But they can do it: the Pacers haven't lost consecutive games in three months and are 9-0 after a loss in that span. This would be a good time for them to extend that winning streak.

“The most important game of the year,” said Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.

That's technically correct before any Finals game, but it rings especially true in this case. Indiana did what it had to do in Oklahoma City; it got a win and stole home-field advantage from the Thunder.

Now the Pacers need to win three home games to be champions. Losing any of those would mean the Thunder regain home-field advantage.

But the Pacers have shown a penchant for resilience, much like Oklahoma City, which is 17-2 after losses (18-2 counting the NBA Cup Finals).

“I think we tried not to get stuck,” Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said.

"As basketball players, it's easy to make a mistake and dwell on it, give up a basket or whatever. I feel like we do a great job moving on to the next play," he said.

When finals are tied 1-1, the winner of the third match has won the title 80.5% of the time. It's a very, very important game, and everyone knows what's at stake.

“I think we just have to keep finding ways to improve as a group,” said Thunder guard and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“If we keep doing that, we’ll be fine.”

Haliburton, better

Haliburton limped out of Game 2 and acknowledged a lower leg issue. He didn't elaborate, but it doesn't matter. He's going to play.

“He practiced. He went through everything,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “I know he’s got some niggles. He feels them. But he’s getting better every day. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal about it. This is the time of year where it just doesn’t get any better than this.”

If the Pacers want to pull off an upset against the Thunder, who are the clear favorites in these Finals, they'll need a more explosive and effective version of Haliburton. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just something with my lower leg. I'll leave it at that. I don't think there's anything else to explain. I feel good and I'll be ready for Game 3," Haliburton said.

Pacers at home

Playing at home, in front of their fans at the Paycom Center, has been an advantage for the Thunder.

The Pacers hope to receive the same energy, if not more, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

And Thunder knows what's coming.

“That's one thing we have to be prepared for coming here, is understanding that they're going to play with a lot of energy,” Oklahoma coach Mark Daigneault said.

Long wait

Indiana's Myles Turner has played 346 home games with the Pacers, including playoffs, far more than anyone else on the team.

Number 347 will be the first in the NBA Finals.

“I think the city has been waiting for an opportunity like this. I'm expecting an incredible atmosphere (Wednesday),” Turner said. “I know it will be. It's an exciting time for everyone, just to experience the Finals in Indianapolis.”

Win on the road

Visiting teams have won 44% of their playoff games, which is on pace for their best record in 30 years.

Heading into Game 3 of the Finals, visiting teams have a 35-44 record this postseason. The teams won 45% of their road games in 1995.

Oklahoma City has a 4-3 record on the road in the postseason. Indiana is 7-3. The league's best overall record on the road for a playoff season was in 1966: 14-13, a winning percentage of .519.— AP and EFE

DY Sports

“I feel good and will be ready for Game 3.”

Tyrese Haliburton

about his physical condition