It s not accidental. Where did Thunder G3 lose? Two major defeats were exposed, and the biggest "sinner" was found

In the 2025 NBA Finals G3, the Thunder lost to the Pacers 107-116, trailing 1-2, missing the opportunity to expand their lead away. The loss of this game exposed the Thunder's problems in many aspects.

Failure 1: The primary reason for the Thunder's loss is that the substitute depth is insufficient and over-reliance on core players. In the whole game, the Thunder scored only 18 points on the bench, which was in sharp contrast to the Pacers substitute Matherin scored alone. Substitute players such as Caruso and Wiggins are in a sluggish state and cannot provide the team with effective offensive firepower and defensive support. Although Alexander, Jaylen Williams and Homgren, the Thunder three-core three-core scored a total of 70 points, at a critical moment in the final quarter, facing the Pacers' strict defense, it was difficult to break through the opponent's defense line, resulting in the team's offense stagnation.

Failure 2: Frequent errors in key rounds are also an important factor in the Thunder's loss. Throughout the game, the Thunder made 17 mistakes, including 6 mistakes by Alexander, including walking violations and passing mistakes, which caused the team to lose multiple scoring opportunities. In addition, Jaylen Williams also made multiple singles mistakes in the final quarter. Homegren's key rebounding was not well protected and was blocked by Turner, which further damaged the team's morale. The Pacers scored 21 points with the turnover, while the Thunder scored only 14 points.

Alexander bears the brunt of the biggest sinner in this game. Although he contributed 24 points in the whole game, he only scored 3 points in the final quarter and made 6 mistakes in the whole game, including key walking violations and passing mistakes, which directly caused the Thunder to lose the initiative. Under the Pacers' targeted defense, Alexander struggled to break through and was even completely limited to the chance of receiving the ball.

In contrast, the Pacers played a team basketball with the whole nation in this game. Halliburton contributed a comprehensive data of 22 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists, Mathering scored 27 points on the bench, McConnell scored 10 points, 5 assists and 5 steals, Nesmith and Nemhard also hit key goals many times. Throughout the game, the Pacers sent a total of 24 assists, creating open opportunities by constantly conducting the ball. In addition, coach Carlisle's tactical execution is also excellent. The Pacers decisively speeded up when they were behind and used the Thunder’s substitute defense loophole to counterattack continuously. The long rotation strategy ensures the players' physical strength, and the Pacers' physical strength is obvious in the last quarter.

The Thunder did not lose this game unfairly. They had serious problems in their substitute depth, turnover control and defensive strategy. Alexander's inefficiency and mistakes in the final quarter have become the team's biggest shortcomings. The Pacers completed the reversal with excellent teamwork and coaching tactical adjustments. The next G4 is crucial to the Thunder. They must solve the problem of substitute weakness and mentality at critical moments, while strengthening restrictions on the Pacers' outside firepower, otherwise the championship trophy will probably drift further away.