If you don’t accept it, you won’t be able to! Carlisle’s three-point tactical changes help the Pacers complete the overtake in the second half!

On the morning of June 12, the NBA Finals G3 kicked off at the Gainbridge Arena in Indiana. The Pacers and the Thunder met on a narrow road. The two sides had tied 1-1 in the past. The importance of this game was self-evident.

The first quarter started, the Thunder's Homegren was in a state of great shape, scoring 13 points in a single quarter, leading the team to a 19-10 attack wave, ending the first quarter with a 32-24 lead. The Pacers' offense was blocked, made continuous mistakes, and the situation fell into a passive state. During the break, Pacers coach Carlisle quickly made three key tactical adjustments, which became the key to the team's reversal.

First, strengthen the defensive oppression and increase double-teams against Alexander, the core player of the Thunder. Carlisle arranged for Nesmith and Halliburton to press Alexander across the court, forcing him to make it difficult to get the ball and increase the turnover. This strategy achieved remarkable results. Alexander made many mistakes in the second half, and the Thunder's offensive rhythm was disrupted.

The second is to adjust offensive tactics and increase unball running and pick-and-roll coordination. Pacers players continue to create better opportunities through running positions. Siakam and Halliburton used pick-and-roll to tear the Thunder's defense many times, either breaking through and scoring, or passing the ball to assist teammates. Especially Mathering, who came on as a substitute, got a lot of open shots under such a tactical system, making 9 of 12 shots in the game, scoring 27 points efficiently.

The third is to activate the substitute lineup and give substitute players more trust. Carlisle replaced McConnell, Nemhard and other substitutes, and they were full of energy after playing. In the second quarter, the Pacers substitute played a 19-0 attack wave and overtook the score in one fell swoop. McConnell contributed 10 points, 5 assists and 5 steals in the whole game, becoming the first substitute player to achieve 5 assists and 5 steals in a single game in the finals. In the second half, although the Thunder launched a counterattack, the scores were once alternately leading. But the Pacers stabilized their position at critical moments with Carlisle's tactical adjustment and the excellent performance of the players. Halliburton hit a key three-pointer, McConnell completed a key steal, and the Pacers finally defeated the Thunder 116-107, leading 2-1 with a big score, holding the match point.

This game fully demonstrates Carlisle's coaching wisdom and on-the-spot adaptability as the champion coach. His three-point tactical changes allowed the Pacers to complete a gorgeous turn in the second half and successfully overtake. The Thunder need to reflect and adjust, and find solutions in the next game to avoid being won by the Pacers in one go. The fourth game between the two sides will continue to be played at the Pacers' home court on June 14, so let's wait and see.