Thunder Alexander reveals Pacers unexpected adjustments have brought huge changes

Shay Gilgers-Alexander responded to the Thunder's sixth loss and the Pacers' surprise defensive strategy in the NBA Finals Game 6 game

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now facing the victory and loss battle of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, with guard Shea Gilgers-Alexander making an unexpected post-game confession after losing to the Indiana Pacers 91-108 in Game 6. After the game, Gilgers Alexander pointed out in an interview with reporters that the team made a surprising adjustment on the defensive end and changed everything.

"They didn't put pressure on the whole game as before, which led to more mistakes. I didn't expect this to happen."

This unexpected adjustment came at the right time. Rather than sticking to their iconic full-game press, the Pacers adjust to a half-court offense and use a lot of traps. This adjustment directly led to 20 turnovers for the Thunder, while the Pacers only had 11, many of which turned into fast break scoring and opportunities for no defense outside the three-point line.

The defensive strategy deployed by the Thunder caught Oklahoma City off guard. The Thunder expected that they would face tremendous pressure in the four quarters before Game 6, but this carefully planned adjustment disrupted their pace early in the game. Inadvertent offensiveness actually causes more interference, which is very rare. By the end of the half, the Pacers had already taken a double-digit lead, thanks to a series of transition attacks triggered by the Thunder’s poor ball-handling tactics. Gilgers Alexander, who usually performed stably, made many mistakes at the end of the half, and he was obviously panicked throughout the process.

This strategic accident is not only physical, but also psychological. Oklahoma City’s preparations revolve around how to get out of defense, but when the defense fails to work, this uncertainty leads to hesitation and bad decisions on the team. What is the result of

? It was one of Oklahoma City's worst defeats in the 2025 NBA Finals - and by far the strongest evidence that the Pacers are adaptable enough to win the championship. The Pacers took a well-thought-out risk in this game. Instead of pressing the game, they rely on sharp rotations, effective communication and clever traps to preserve their physical strength. This forced Oklahoma City to make costly and irreversible mistakes.

Now, the series draws 3-3, with the 68-win Thunder facing adjustment pressure and they must face Game 7. Gilgers-Alexander is still full of confidence, but admits that they must rethink their strategies.

On the grandest stage this sport can provide, fighting for inheritance, the battle between chess is heading towards its climax.