Thunder Shai Gilgeous Alexander determined to suck it up attack in Game 4

INDIANAPOLIS – Physical and fast was the Pacers’ defensive approach in Game 3 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, and more of the same is coming until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proves he and the Thunder can handle it.

“You got to suck it up. There’s a maximum four games left in the season,” the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander said of the hands-on defence from Indiana, who beat them 116-107 at home in Game 3 on June 11.

“It’s what you worked the whole season for. It’s what you worked all summer for. To me, the way I see it, you got to suck it up, get it done and try to get a win.”

Game 4, which will be hosted by Indiana again on June 13 (June 14, Singapore time),is vital to Oklahoma City after trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

Indiana appeared to be the better conditioned team in Game 3, closing out with a finishing kick and riding the adrenaline of a locked-in home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle gave additional credit to Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard and Aaron Nesmith for their collective defensive effort and the role it played in limiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions.

“I wouldn’t say it surprised me,” Thunder forward Chet Holmgren said of the Pacers’ stamina in Game 3. “That’s kind of been I guess you could say their identity leading up to this series.

“It’s what’s showed up in the games up to this point. We have to figure out a way to counteract that and kind of change that and swing it in our favour because it’s not a winning formula to not be better than the other team in the fourth quarter.”

Gilgeous-Alexander had only four free throw attempts in the second half of Game 3