The 2025 NBA Finals have evolved into a thrilling tactical duel, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton driving the action. While not coaching this year, Rick Pitino has long emphasized how championships are won through strategy and star-level decision-making.
This series exemplifies that philosophy. Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Kevin Durant’s franchise record for most points in a single postseason, reaching 571 and climbing. Yet, as dominant as he’s been, he would likely give up that feat for the title. He’ll need greater contributions from Oklahoma City’s supporting cast to make that possible.
Rick Pitino Weighs In on SGA-Haliburton Matchup as Finals Tension Builds
Legendary coach Rick Pitino offered his thoughts on X before Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, highlighting the tactical duel unfolding between Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana’s defensive schemes.
“This game tonight will be so fascinating to watch,” Pitino posted. “They loaded up on SGA, Thunder now have to spread and create cutting lanes to take help defense away. Indiana’s game plans have been flawless. They will keep the heat on SGA and he will have to free up his teammates. Can’t wait.”
This game tonight will be so fascinating to watch. They loaded up on SGA, Thunder now have to spread and create cutting lanes to take help defense away. Indiana’s game plans have been flawless. They will keep the heat on SGA and he will have to free up his teammates. Can’t wait.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 13, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander has opened the series with a historic offensive output, scoring 72 points through the first two games—the highest total by any player in Finals history.
His manipulation of defenses in the pick-and-roll has created consistent problems for Pacers center Myles Turner, who has struggled to contain SGA’s mid-range prowess and drives. The Thunder’s screen-setting, particularly from Isaiah Hartenstein, has allowed SGA to exploit narrow gaps in Indiana’s coverage.
Indiana responded in Game 3 by turning up the defensive pressure, initiating coverage an average of 68 feet from the basket, according to The F5’s Owen Phillips. That left Gilgeous-Alexander with just about 26 feet of court space before encountering defenders.
Andrew Nembhard was tasked with hounding the MVP and held him to six points on 2-for-7 shooting. SGA managed only two assists while committing three turnovers in their head-to-head matchup.
KEEP READING: Analyst Breaks Down Rick Pitino, St. John’s’ Biggest Roadblock — And It Isnt Lack of Point Guards
Gilgeous-Alexander finished Game 3 with 24 points on 20 shots. He contributed three points, one rebound, and no assists in the fourth quarter, with a minus-11 rating.
The defensive plan also impacted his touches. After averaging 73.5 touches and 8.6 minutes of possession over the first two games, SGA’s Game 3 numbers dropped to 64 touches and 6.5 minutes. His first-quarter usage rate across the Finals is 32.2 percent, up from 27.6 percent in earlier playoff rounds.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
