With their backs against the wall, the Thunder are making a significant change ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals vs. the Pacers.
After making a starting lineup change at the beginning of the series, Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault is going back to the team’s most-used playoff lineup. The change sees OKC revert to a two-big look, with center Isaiah Hartenstein replacing second-year guard Cason Wallace in the starting unit.
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Wallace made the first start of his postseason career in Game 1 and was tasked with keeping up with Indiana’s high-octane play. Even though Wallace held his own, the Thunder fell into a 2-1 series deficit.
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Here’s more on the Thunder’s reversion.
Thunder starting lineup change Game 4 vs. Pacers
Daigneault is going back with the lineup that Oklahoma City used in each of its first 16 games of the playoffs. The team posted a 12-4 record with Hartenstein starting in the frontcourt alongside Chet Holmgren.
Here is the Thunder’s starting lineup for Game 4: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
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Through three NBA Finals games, Hartenstein has averaged 5.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. In the 16 playoff games in which he started, Hartenstein averaged 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
The move brings Oklahoma City back to the identity it has leaned into throughout the postseason, and it’s an adjustment as it faces a must-win situation in Game 4. Only one team in NBA Finals history has overcome a 3-1 series deficit to win a championship, and the Thunder are looking to avoid facing those nearly insurmountable odds.
With the adjustment, the Thunder will have their hands full with Indiana’s uptempo offense, but Hartenstein is fleet afoot for a 7-footer. The move could force Rick Carlisle’s hand into a corresponding adjustment.
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