Finals G4 Preview: Haliburton Leads Team to Hit Match Point The Thunder have never lost two straight games in the playoffs this year

At 8:30 a.m. Beijing time on June 14, the Pacers will play the Thunder again at home to start Game 4 of the Finals. In the first three games, the Pacers led 2-1 overall. In the crucial fourth game, did Haliburton lead the team to the match point, or did Alexander force the series to the top of the mountain?

The Thunder weren't flustered, and the Pacers weren't taking it lightly. Ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, both teams said they would not significantly change their previously successful strategies. The Pacers are leading 2-1 in a best-of-seven series — an advantage they have held in all four series of the playoffs this season.

"Our challenge right now is to maintain the advantage," Pacers coach Carlisle said, "and we have to be a killer to beat these guys." We're going to be the underdogs in every game in the series...... It's a daunting challenge. Without the determination to put our heart and soul into it, we have no chance. ”

The Pacers have stood out in underdogs, and guard Haliburton said in his opening win that it has been motivating him and the team since last season.

For the Thunder, this is the second time they have faced such a disadvantage. They trailed after the first three games against Denver in the Western Conference semifinals and eventually won in a tie-break. The Thunder have lost just two straight games in the regular season and have yet to lose two straight games in the playoffs.

"Falling behind 2-1 in a series is going to be emotionally volatile, but it's not good to carry it into the next game," Thunder coach Daigneault said, "and they're 2-1 up, and that mentality doesn't help to play." When the ball is thrown, it is necessary to compete with all your might. We've made it a habit and we'll have to double it tomorrow. ”

Regular season MVP Alexander said that while it's hard to directly compare the current situation to the series against the Nuggets, there are still lessons to be learned in how the team responds.

"We have to be ourselves and be ourselves all season," Alexander said, "and I think we found ourselves in that series." If you want to give yourself a chance in this round, you have to do the same. ”

Haliburton said he struggled to sleep during the finals due to a mixture of excitement and pressure. The guard had his best performance so far in the Finals, with Haliburton contributing 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in Game 3, a 116-107 win at home.

"I think the most important thing at the moment is that it's an exciting time. It's an honour to play against these players," Haliburton said, "and it's fun. The Thunder are a 68-win team that is one of the best defensive teams in history. It's a very good team with an MVP and a group of players who will be successful in the league for a long time...... As a competitor, you want to play against the strongest, and they are the strongest. ”

After the Pacers shot 51.8 percent from the field (44-of-85) in Game 3, it was imperative for the Thunder to get back to their defensive roots.

"We're a little bit off," said forward Jalen Williams, "and I think when you're scoring efficiently, the defense slips a little bit at times. That's what we've been concerned about. Of course, there will be some changes to the game plan, and a lot of the time it's just competition. I don't want to say 'competitive' because it sounds like you're not working the field. It's about focusing on a lot of details on the defensive end to keep them from feeling comfortable and avoid them playing a bigger offensive climax late in the game. ”

In the series-winning two games, the Pacers led the Thunder 67-43 in the fourth quarter.

The Pacers' Myles Turner is still battling the disease, contributing key blocks and rebounds in the G3 victory. Carlisle said Turner participated in video analysis with the team today before returning home to recuperate. "Hopefully he'll feel better tomorrow," Carlisle said, "and we'll see." ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Thunder: Nikola Topic is out

Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, Jareth Walker out

ESPN Predicts G4 Win Percentage:Thunder 52.0%, Pacers 48.0%