The Importance of Paint Touches in the 2025 NBA Finals
One crucial statistic is playing a pivotal role in determining the victor of the ongoing 2025 NBA Finals: the number of paint touches. In their opening match against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Indiana Pacers managed to record 21 paint touches compared to the Thunder’s 15, which contributed to their initial victory.
Game Strategy Adjustments
However, the Thunder adjusted their strategy in Game 2, achieving a significant advantage with 24 paint touches to Indiana’s just 10. This shift has allowed Oklahoma City to dominate inside, accumulating a 20-point lead in paint scoring over the two games. Notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has proven to be a formidable force, netting 28 of his total 72 points within the paint and drawing 16 fouls along the way. In contrast, Tyrese Haliburton has struggled, attempting only five shots from within the paint and drawing merely two fouls over the first two games of the series.
Impact on Team Performance
The impact of paint touches extends beyond the interior game, as they significantly influence the overall performance of both teams. When players penetrate the defense, it forces defenders to shift, creating more space for outside shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive drives have caused the Pacers to scramble defensively, resulting in unguarded opportunities for his teammates. In particular, players like Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins capitalized on this approach during Game 2, successfully converting their chances from beyond the arc.
Indiana’s Comeback and Future Strategy
For Indiana, their most effective phases during the Finals have coincided with their ability to penetrate the paint. This was especially evident when they made a comeback in Game 1; they expertly navigated through the Thunder’s defense in the fourth quarter, kicking the ball out to their shooters and unleashing a flurry of three-pointers that ultimately allowed them to overturn a 15-point deficit.
Given the Thunder’s capable yet sometimes vulnerable defensive strategy, which tends to allow open three-point shots, the Pacers will need to prioritize inside scoring to stand a chance in Game 3. Reclaiming their strength in the paint could prove essential for Indiana if they aspire to secure another victory in this closely contested series.
