The 2025 NBA Finals delivered another twist as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116–107 in Game 3 to take a 2–1 series lead in Indianapolis. Backed by an electric home crowd and a bench that couldn’t miss, Indiana is now just two wins away from their first NBA title since 2000.
🔥 Game 3: Instant Classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
-
Final Score: Pacers 116 – Thunder 107
-
Date: June 11, 2025
-
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
-
Series: Pacers lead 2–1
🌟 Star Performers
🔹 Bennedict Mathurin – The X-Factor
-
Points: 27
-
Shooting: 10/15 FG
-
Why it matters: Came off the bench to ignite Indiana's offense in the second half, torching OKC’s second unit and shifting the game’s momentum.
🔹 Tyrese Haliburton – Floor General
-
Stats: 22 PTS, 11 AST, 9 REB
-
Haliburton’s near triple-double highlighted his all-around impact. He controlled the pace, made clutch buckets, and set up shooters all night.
🔹 T.J. McConnell – Hustle Machine
-
Stats: 10 PTS, 5 AST, 5 REB
-
The veteran guard provided grit and intelligence, steering Indiana’s bench during a decisive 4th-quarter run.
❗ Thunder’s Troubles
-
Turnovers: 19
-
Bench Points: Only 18 compared to Pacers’ 49
-
Key Players:
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 24 PTS, 6 TOs
-
Chet Holmgren – 20 PTS, 11 REB
-
Despite solid efforts from their stars, Oklahoma’s carelessness with the ball and poor bench output made the difference. Their 4th-quarter collapse (outscored 32–18) cost them dearly.
🧠 Tactical Notes
-
Indiana's Depth: Coach Rick Carlisle leaned into his bench — a smart move that changed the game's rhythm.
-
Thunder’s Isolation Offense: OKC leaned too heavily on SGA heroics. Ball movement stalled under pressure.
-
Rebounding Battle: Even matchup, but Indy’s late-game boards gave them crucial second chances.
📈 What This Means
Statistically, teams that win Game 3 in a 1–1 Finals go on to win the championship over 80% of the time. The Pacers now have the psychological and tactical edge heading into Game 4.
🗣️ Fan Reactions
“Mathurin deserves a Finals MVP shout if Pacers win.” – @hooplife25
“SGA needs help… Thunder bench ghosted them.” – @okcbasketfan
“That 4th quarter was a masterclass by Carlisle.” – @nbastratguy
📅 What’s Next?
-
Game 4: Friday, June 14
-
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
-
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Can the Thunder bounce back? Or will Indiana push them to the brink?
📢 Final Thoughts
This series is becoming a battle of depth, coaching, and late-game composure. If Game 3 is anything to go by, Pacers may have the edge not just on paper—but in spirit.
💬 Who’s your pick for Game 4? Let us know in the comments!