The outbreak of the SGA last quarter is not accidental. How did the Thunder accumulate physical energy for it?

In the third game of the finals, the Pacers tried every means to consume the Thunder core Alexander, and finally achieved the effect - in that game, Alexander only scored 24 points and 4 assists, made 6 mistakes, and only scored 3 points in the final quarter - the Pacers successfully defended the home court. In the fourth game of the finals, the Thunder were almost standing on the edge of the cliff. To avoid a 1-3 situation, they need to solve a most basic problem: how to relieve Alexander's pressure? Judging from the results, the Ox City man undoubtedly succeeded. Alexander scored 35 points, including 15 points in the last quarter, helping the Thunder reverse to win and equalize the finals. So how did Thunder do it?

First, they adjusted Alexander's rotation order. Previously, the Thunder had been scheduled to play Alexander for a full 1 or 3 quarters, but in the G4 game, the Thunder star only played 7 minutes and 56 seconds in the first quarter, which was his least playing time in the first quarter this year. This not only allows Alexander to avoid the Pacers' starting edge, but also allows him to accumulate more physical fitness for the second half.

Second, the Thunder reduced the number of times Alexander dribbled into the frontcourt. In the G3 battle, the Pacers began to lead Alexander at an average of 20 meters away from the basket and kept consuming him. When he arrived at G4, Alexander had only three balls in the first quarter and advanced to the frontcourt, which was the least he had this season.

In addition, Jaylen Williams, the second leader of the Thunder, also stood up, and he scored 27 points in the game, which was the first time in his career that he scored 25+ in two consecutive games in the playoffs. According to statistics, G4 Jaylen Williams will get the ball at an average of 5.8 seconds per touch, which is the longest game he has held the ball in his entire career, which also means that the Thunder has put Jaylen in a heavy ball holding task.

All the above lay the groundwork for Alexander's last quarter outbreak. In the last five minutes of the game, the Thunder kept arranging Alexander as the pick-and-roller, and through his pick-and-roll for Jaylen Williams, Alexander played against Nesmith. In the end, Alexander scored 9 points against Nesmith in 5 minutes, changing the situation in one fell swoop.

The two teams are playing games at all levels, one of which is the war of attrition against Alexander. The Thunder found some ways to retain physical strength for Alexander through G4. So in the next game, what problems will the Pacers give the Thunder?

(text/Thai Fu)