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Philippines, 17 Jun 2025 |
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OKC Nears First NBA Title in Thunder Era; Outclasses Indiana, 120-109 in Game 5 By Teodoro Medina Reynoso PhilBoxing.com Tue, 17 Jun 2025  Oklahoma City Thunder came near to its first NBA championship since the franchise moved from Seattle by outclassing the Indiana Pacers, 120-109 in game five in Oklahoma City. The Thunder forced the Pacers to 22 turnovers from 15 steals and 12 blocks to dominate the game virtually from the opening quarter. In a two minutes stretch at the middle of the final quarter, the Thunder showed why they are the league's best offensive and defensive team. After the Pacers had cut their deficit to two at that juncture, Oklahoma's stifling defense forced the Pacers to turn over the ball four times in a row, mostly on steals and interceptions. The Thunder transformed those turnovers into points that restored their huge lead in the closing minutes of the game. The Thunder painfully reminded the Pacers that they were more than Shai Gilgeous Alexander who outscored the entire Pacers on the floor, 11-1 in game four come from behind OKC victory in Indianapolis, tying the series. In a scene reminiscent of Michael Jordan watching his partner Scottie Pippen run the show in Chicago, Gilgeous Alexander allowed partner Jaden Williams to do most of the scoring while contenting himself with assisting him and other Thunder for open shots. Gilgeous Alexander would later join the fray. Compounding Indiana's woes was star shooting guard Tyrese Haliburton unable to bury his field goal attempts and the difficulty, especially of Andrew Nembrand, in setting up plays resulting to forced turnovers. It was only due to Pascal Siakam's consistent scoring with help from reserves off the bench, especially TJ McConnell, that Indiana was able to rally from huge deficits and make a fight of it until midway the fourth quarter. But then came the Thunder juggernaut that left Indiana far behind again for keeps. With the game secured, Oklahoma eased up the pressure allowing it to cruise to a comfortable victory. Center Myles Turner who was virtually invisible in the game four loss in Indiana, somehow made a presence this time in scoring. But again, Oklahoma biggies Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hertenstein dominated on both ends with only Siakam and Obi Toppin providing opposition. Strangely, Indiana reserves outscored their Oklahoma counterparts but that did not help much as Pacers regulars particularly Haliburton have been stymied by the Thunder defense. On the other hand, scoring support from Oklahoma bench was not needed that much as Williams was painting the town red with a career high 40 points, joined from time to time by Gilgeous Alexander who finished with 31 points. Indiana who suffered back to back losses for the first tine in the post season, was led by Siakam who scored 28 points. McConnell backed him up with 18 points. Nesmith had 14 points and Turner added 13 points. Toppin finished with 12 points but Haliburton was limited to 4 points though with team high 6 assists. Game six will be in Indiana Thursday (Friday Manila time) where the Pacers will be fighting for survival. The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.  |
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