### Turnovers Prove Key as Thunder and Pacers Near NBA Finals Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are poised for an unexpected clash in the 2025 NBA Finals, each holding a commanding 3-1 lead in their conference finals series. Historically, only 13 teams have managed to come back from such a deficit, making it improbable for the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks to turn their series around at this point. Despite differences in their playing styles and market sizes, one understated yet crucial commonality is propelling both teams towards the Finals: exceptional ball control.

Oklahoma City's defensive prowess contrasts with Indiana's offensive strength, but both teams owe much of their success to strategic trades that brought in their superstar guards. The Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Clippers as part of the Paul George trade, while the Pacers landed Tyrese Haliburton from the Kings in exchange for Domantas Sabonis. Veteran front office leaders Sam Presti and Kevin Pritchard, who have each been at the helm for over a decade, have meticulously built these rosters, emphasizing the importance of role players and efficient ball handling.

A significant, and often overlooked, ingredient to their winning formula is their superior ability to avoid turnovers. In the regular season and playoffs, the Thunder and Pacers have stood out as the top teams in minimizing offensive turnover percentage. This particular strength is enabling both teams to hold a consistent edge over their opponents.

Interestingly, the Thunder and Pacers employ vastly different methods to achieve their low turnover rates. Oklahoma City relies heavily on isolation plays, averaging 10.2 isolations per game during the regular season, ranking them in the league's top five. They also favor driving the ball, recording 52 drives per game, second only to the Memphis Grizzlies. This focus on isolation and driving limits their passing and consequently reduces the chances of turnovers.

Conversely, the Pacers excel in fast-paced play and extensive ball movement, finishing second overall in passes made during the regular season. Tyrese Haliburton's exceptional ability to handle and distribute the ball without committing turnovers is pivotal. His penchant for making audacious crosscourt passes that evade defensive takes plays a monumental role in the team's success.

The ability to control turnovers has emerged as a critical "market inefficiency" in the current NBA Playoffs landscape. With most teams now prioritizing three-point shots, the advantage in shot volume has diminished, making the turnover battle increasingly decisive. There is now greater emphasis on controlling possession through turnovers, rebounding, and free-throw attempts, as opposed to relying solely on shooting luck.

The forthcoming matchup between the Thunder's top-ranked defense and the Pacers' dynamic offense promises to be an exhilarating encounter, showcasing the impact of ball control at the highest level of basketball competition. As the Finals approach, the subtle art of minimizing turnovers continues to define the pathway to victory for these two teams.