The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing their poorest offensive display of the season as they head into Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. In Game 6 on Thursday, they managed a mere 82.7 points per 100 possessions in crucial minutes and struggled significantly in the halfcourt, with just 73.4 points.

MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly affected, contributing to eight of the Thunder’s 16 turnovers through the first three quarters. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Oklahoma only had six assists and had missed 17 out of 20 three-point attempts, trailing by 30 points.

If the Thunder win and Gilgeous-Alexander lifts the trophy, their previous struggles will undoubtedly be overshadowed. But currently, the question looms of whether these offensive troubles are a consistent problem or merely an anomaly. Indiana can’t expect Oklahoma to repeat such a lackluster performance with the championship on the line, but it’s clear the Thunder have had difficulty finding their groove throughout the playoffs, especially in this series.

Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault commented on their consistent defensive performance relative to their offense, acknowledging the challenges of scoring in playoff conditions. “Our defense has been more consistent, in these playoffs especially, than our offense has.”

In Game 6, the Pacers adjusted their strategy to limit Gilgeous-Alexander by applying less pressure across the court and more aggressive double-teams, aiming to restrict his option to drive. The effectiveness of this tactic took the Thunder by surprise, as highlighted by guard Cason Wallace who stated, “They startled us a little bit. But we’ll fix it.”

The Pacers’ defensive adjustments have been notable, allowing more switching with players like Pascal Siakam and T.J. McConnell on Gilgeous-Alexander, which has further contributed to Oklahoma City’s offensive struggles. Isaiah Joe emphasized their need to supercharge their game style, claiming that the previous Game 6 was overly congested.

This battle is crucial as both teams aim for a robust performance with stakes at an all-time high. The Thunder’s success depends on fluid offensive execution, keeping pace with their defensive strategy while managing momentum against a resilient Pacers team.