OKC one win from title, expects 'best punch' from Pacers in Game 6

ONE win away from the first NBA title in franchise history, Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) coach Mark Daigneault believes preparation for Game 6 of the Finals on Thursday night at Indianapolis boils down to how the other sneaker fits.

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“We're always trying to put ourselves in our opponent's shoes,” Daigneault said of Oklahoma City’s focus with a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series ahead of the first elimination game of the NBA Finals.

“Zero and zero mindset. We're not introducing any new concepts right now, we're just relying on the psychological habits we've built over time.”

Perspective might be more challeng-ing for Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle as his squad faces the task of attempting to win two consecutive games against the Thunder with All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton at less than full strength.

Carlise said on Wednesday it will be late afternoon or early evening on Thursday before the Pacers have a realistic feel for what Haliburton can contribute as Indiana attempts to send the series back to Oklahoma City for Game 7 on Sunday night.

He participated in walkthrough on Wednesday, but the 30-minute session involved no “real running” by Carlisle’s assessment.