The Indiana Pacers are a true definition of a team. Before the playoffs started, they were not among the favorites to win it all. In fact, they were underdogs in every series they have played since the first round. Right now, if they win the championship, media members will have a hard time selecting a Finals MVP from the Pacers. And that is a good thing.
The Indiana Pacers Have a Finals MVP Challenge
If we take a look at the games the Pacers won, in every game, a different player was their leading scorer and most important player. For example, most people remember the Game 1 win as the Tyrese Haliburton game-winner. But he was almost invisible until the fourth quarter. Pascal Siakam was the leading scorer with 19 points, while Obi Toppin scored 17. Haliburton had 14 points.
Game 3 was the Bennedict Mathurin game, with the third-year forward scoring 27 points off the bench. Haliburton was great as well, with 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. But in Game 3, the bench played a large role in winning the game for Indiana.
In their Game 6 win, Toppin led the way with 20 points. The Pacers took control of the game early on, and Haliburton played only 23 minutes as a precaution to his calf injury, and due to the game being out of reach after three quarters. He was the fourth scorer on the team behind Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, and Siakam.
Making the Case for Tyrese Haliburton to be Finals MVP
While Haliburton struggled in the first two games of the series, he has been quite consistent. Haliburton is the team’s best player and leader. While he has led them in scoring in only one game, a Game 2 loss, he at least tied for the team lead in assists each of the first five games. In Game 6, he played only 23 minutes and TJ McConnell led the team in assists.
We will have to wait and see how Game 7 plays out, but Tyrese has a strong case so far. And he has the epic game-winner from Game 1 on his resume.
Making the Case for Pascal Siakam to be Finals MVP
Siakam already has a championship ring with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He was the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, surprising fans around the league when he got it over Haliburton. In the NBA Finals so far, he has led the team in points three times, once in a win, and two times in losses. He also led them in rebounds two times.
If voters reward consistency, Siakam can win the Finals MVP for the Pacers. Of course, he can shine in Game 7 and tilt the scales in his favor. That was the case in the Eastern Conference Finals when he scored 31 points in Game 6. But the difference in the series against the Knicks is that New York had no answer for his athleticism, cutting, and outrunning everyone. That is not the case here.
What Do the Pacers Need to Win the Title?
Before the series started, most people expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to win it somewhat easily. However, with Indiana winning Game 3, that was out of the window. Throughout six games, both teams have found a formula that wins games.
For the Pacers, the formula is simple, limit turnovers, play good defense without fouling on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and get contributions from the bench. In the three games they have won, only the first game is an exception. They cannot expect something similar in Game 7.
Photo credit: © Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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