With the NBA Finals shifting to Indianapolis for the first time in 25 years, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle previewed Game 3 on Tuesday, emphasizing both tactical changes and player readiness.
Carlisle acknowledged that Indiana, despite splitting the first two games, has only led for under two minutes total in the series.
“There’s a lot of things we have to do better,” Carlisle said. “We realize that we’ve lost, at least by the scoreboard, six out of eight or seven out of eight quarters. So, we’re playing a great team, and we’ve got to make adjustments.”
The Thunder responded to a narrow Game 1 loss by dominating Game 2, 123-107, behind 34 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers have yet to produce a 20-point scorer through two games.
Carlisle confirmed that Tyrese Haliburton, who was seen limping after Sunday’s loss, practiced Tuesday and will be available.
“He went through everything. I know he has some discomfort. Each day it’s getting better,” Carlisle said. “I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
The head coach compared Oklahoma City’s defensive approach to those of Indiana’s earlier playoff opponents, noting the Thunder’s versatility in covering both Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
“They can throw bigger, smaller, medium guys at Tyrese and Pascal. It’s one of their strengths,” Carlisle stated. “We’re going to have to adjust and create better situations.”
Myles Turner, who has been with the Pacers since 2015, also earned praise for his resilience through years of trade rumors and growing postseason contributions.
“Myles is a professional, and he’s extremely loyal. I’ve really admired his ability to focus on what’s important,” Carlisle said. “He’s a special player, and he’s a guy that’s very important to us.”
Carlisle also commented on Indiana’s ability to recover from mistakes, even in high-turnover scenarios, noting the importance of limiting live-ball turnovers against Oklahoma City.
“Our bounce-back ability from mistakes is really key—and our response,” he explained. “You can’t play too careful against Oklahoma, otherwise you’ll never get a basket.”
Indiana returns home Wednesday night to host Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers are looking to regain momentum and claim their first Finals victory since joining the NBA.
With Haliburton expected to play and Carlisle stressing sharper execution, Indiana aims to capitalize on its home-court energy to break the series deadlock.
