Welcome to Glass Slipper! I don’t think it will be too difficult for me to root against Aaron Rodgers; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

**NOTE: Glass Slipper will arrive on Friday next week.

Here are my 10 biggest takeaways midway through the NBA Finals.

1. Two victories away.

Wow. I can’t quite believe what we’re watching. I’ve literally picked against the Pacers in every single round, and they keep making me look like the world’s biggest clown. These guys just have to go 2-2, and they’re sitting on the throne.

Full disclosure, I think Oklahoma City wins Game 4 and takes the series. But if Indiana finds a way, this is the most stunning champion of an American sports league since the 2019 Nationals. I’m completely baffled.

2. Adult Swim.

Pascal Siakam is one of the more underappreciated power forwards of this generation. I’m still waiting for him to realize that he’s three inches taller - and 34 pounds heavier - than Jalen Williams. Put that kid underneath the rim, and get layups all night. 45 percent from the floor is far too low.

3. Tyrese’s time.

It’s five years from now. Someone starts reminiscing about the 2025 season. Who is the first individual player that comes to mind?

Haliburton has openly stated that he’s recruiting stars to the Pacers, and this iconic run is undoubtedly demanding the attention of his peers. Indiana is going to appear on trade wish lists for the first time ever.

4. Broken record.

I’ll say it once more, since he clearly didn’t receive my initial message. Chet Holmgren has to shoot the basketball. He’s taken 15 attempts or fewer in 25 of his 29 career playoff contests. The Thunder are exponentially more terrifying when Holmgren is a scoring threat.

5. You showed up!

After delivering eight consecutive library-esque environments, Indiana fans produced a solid atmosphere in Game 3.

It may have taken some not-so-subtle prodding from Myles Turner, but they got there. Congrats to the folks in Gainbridge Fieldhouse for finally fulfilling their noise-making responsibility in a respectable manner.

6. Ground floor.

Confession time. I watched Alex Caruso for what felt like a full decade at Texas A&M, and never thought he would log a single NBA appearance. I’m now seeing sizzling takes like this appear on my timeline, from folks in the media that I really respect.

Caruso might grab a second ring, and he’s one of the five best undrafted players ever. Amazing.

7. Open season.

Rick Carlisle should end each timeout by reminding his group to attack Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Call him into every pick-and-roll, and go out of your way to seek contact on drives. Even if Shai holds up well, he’s expending energy that is normally reserved for fourth-quarter offensive creation. It’s potentially the difference between him splashing a game-tying jumper or hitting the front rim.

Plus, Gilgeous-Alexander if the only non-special defender in OKC’s lineup; I’d much rather hunt him than risk getting stuck with Lu Dort.

8. Back and forth.

Obi Toppin was drafted in 2020, and I still have no idea if he’s good or not. Like, zero clue. He scores 17 points on nine shots in Game 1, then is the worst guy in the building three nights later. New York gave up on Obi after 15 starts, and he’s now receiving crucial minutes for a Finals team.

It feels harsh to label him a bust, but four of the next six picks in that class are objectively superior players. I don’t know what to make of this man.

9. In the shadows.

Aaron Wiggins is the eighth-best dude on the Thunder, yet would start for over half of this year’s playoff squads.

He’ll make under $8 million in 2028-29; that might be the most team-friendly deal in the entire league by then. The Thunder really do have a dynasty lined up, regardless of what happens here.

10. Promotion.

Maybe this is a bit greedy, but I’d advocate for pushing Bennedict Mathurin into the starting five. The Pacers are getting outscored 87-64 in first quarters during this series, which is not a sustainable path to victory against Oklahoma City. I’m not always the biggest fan of Mathurin’s game, but Wednesday night was a loud reminder that he can sleepwalk to 20 when things are clicking. Let him set the tone.

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