The Indiana Pacers have a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals, but it's way too early for fans to celebrate. In the second round of the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost the first game against the Denver Nuggets before ultimately winning in seven. Oklahoma City is built for a long series, and this was made clear in their series against Denver.
Indiana can learn a lesson or two from the Nuggets in this way, and it could help them stay strong and capitalize on their series lead. An NBA Championship is realistically within reach for the Pacers, but they can't take their foot off the pedal just yet.
The Pacers have what it takes to beat the Thunder
Oklahoma City objectively has more talent than Indiana, and they finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA for a reason. However, the Pacers are well-equipped to pull off what most would consider an upset, and it is important that they play to their strengths.
The Pacers are a deep team, and everybody in the rotation can make a big impact on any given night. However, the Thunder are potentially even deeper, and they can hound opponents with strength in numbers. In a way, they can almost make it seem like a 1-0 series deficit is the same as a 0-0 series. Because of this, the Pacers must view Game 2 as a must-win. Fortunately for them, they sent a big message in Game 1, and they will continue to rely on their elite team chemistry, resilience, and poise to lead them the rest of the way.
It is important to remember that not too long ago, the Pacers dominated in a series that very few expected them to win: their second-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. For pretty much the entire season, Cleveland was one of the top teams in the league and was a dominant force. They secured the No. 1 seed in the East in the regular season, and they were one of the most complete teams in basketball. Still, the Pacers beat them convincingly in five games and sent them home early. They have what it takes to do it again.
Despite an ugly first half, the Pacers were able to walk away from Game 1 with a victory, and they will look to ride their momentum and aim to take a 2-0 series lead back to Indiana. Things are looking good for the Pacers, but it is absolutely crucial that they don't take their eyes off the prize, especially when they are so close to grabbing it.