Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded zero assists in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, highlighting a concerning trend as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to host Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers on Monday.
The Thunder MVP candidate has cleared 6.5 assists just once during the Finals series, with his playmaking numbers taking a significant hit against Indiana's defensive scheme.
"Indiana's defense is finally getting its due," notes one analyst tracking the series closely. "They ranked third in opponent three-point attempt rate after the All-Star Break."
The statistics tell a compelling story. The Pacers have effectively limited Oklahoma City's perimeter game, forcing the Thunder to attempt just 38 total three-pointers in their last two contests. This represents an unusually low 24.2% of their shot attempts coming from beyond the arc.
Lu Dort, despite shooting an impressive 61.1% from three-point range in this series, has been increasingly hesitant to launch from deep. After going 5-for-9 in Game 1, Dort has attempted just nine three-pointers across the last three games, including a single attempt in Game 4.
Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate the ball, taking at least 20 shots in every game this series—accounting for 28.2% of Thunder's total field goal attempts. This ball dominance appears to be affecting rhythm shots for teammates.
Interestingly, the Pacers' Obi Toppin has found success against Oklahoma City's defensive approach. He's connected on 8 of 21 three-point attempts (38.1%) in the series, clearing multiple threes in two of four games.
Despite these struggles, the Thunder enter as 9.5-point favorites for Monday's contest. The question remains: can Oklahoma City adjust their offensive approach, or will Gilgeous-Alexander's assist numbers continue to suffer against Indiana's defensive scheme?
Game 5 tips off at 8:30 ET on Monday, June 16, with the Thunder looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage in this pivotal matchup.
