The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are set to do battle in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. The two teams are tied at two wins apiece.
As such, Game 5 is expected to be an exceptional production of elite-level basketball. There is a distinct difference in the brands of basketball on offer, which has made for some compelling television.
Still, Game 5 carries some additional weight. It could become the turning point of the entire series. Here are three reasons why Game 5 is a must-watch affair.
1. A momentum swing
Both teams will leave it all on the court to grab a potential psychological edge. With Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, both teams will feel they have a leading star capable of securing a big win.
Whichever team secures a victory on Monday will seize control of the momentum, as it will move within touching distance of the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
2. A fight for home-court advantage
Oklahoma City earned home-court advantage as the West’s top seed, hosting Game 5 and a potential Game 7. That’s why a Game 5 win is so important, as both rosters are fighting for an opportunity to host a closeout game in front of their fans.
If the Pacers win, Game 6 will be in Indiana. Haliburton and Co. will have an arena full of hungry Pacers fans to spur them on in the hopes of winning a championship on home court. If the Thunder win, they will control their destiny and will have the comfort of knowing they can fall back on a potential Game 7 if things fall apart in Indiana.
3. The math battle
Teams that win Game 5 in the NBA Finals go on to win the championship 75 percent of the time. Therefore, both Oklahoma City and Indiana will want to be on the right side of math and history. Losing on Monday isn’t a guarantee that the series is over, but it does add a new layer of pressure.
Considering Oklahoma City is the favorite to win the series, Rick Carlisle will likely be hoping his team can cause an upset and take total control.
