Indiana Pacers 116-107 Oklahoma City Thunder: Pacers top Thunder in Game 3 to take NBA Finals lead
The Indiana Pacers surged ahead in the 2025 NBA Finals with a 116-107 Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking a 2-1 series lead in front of a roaring home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with an all-around masterclass, posting 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, as the Pacers overturned a five-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure the win. But it was a true team effort that made the difference.
Bench Boost: Mathurin ignites Pacers' charge
The Indiana bench exploded for 49 points compared to Oklahoma City’s 18, with second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin stealing the spotlight. Bennedict Mathurin dropped 27 points in a sensational performance that overwhelmed the Thunder defense.
"So many different guys chipped in," Haliburton said post-game. "Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench. We just had guys make plays after plays."
Mathurin echoed the team’s mentality: "The main thing is you have to be resilient. You have to be the aggressor in order to win games."
Indiana’s depth continues to be one of its biggest weapons this postseason. T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard also made key contributions, helping the Pacers remain unbeaten in back-to-back games since March.
Pacers Flip the Script
Following a 123-107 blowout loss in Game 2, the Pacers responded with energy, discipline, and smarter execution. They capitalized on the Thunder’s 19 turnovers, turning them into 21 points. In contrast, Indiana limited their own mistakes and turned up the heat in transition and the halfcourt.
Thunder Stars struggle in clutch moments
While MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, he was held to just three in the decisive fourth quarter, thanks to tight defense and physical ball pressure from Andrew Nembhard and the Indiana backcourt. Jalen Williams led OKC with 26 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
"In the fourth quarter, I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, whose team will now need to regroup quickly.
What’s Next
The Finals continue with Game 4 on Friday night (Saturday 01:30 BST) at the same venue. With momentum and home-court advantage on their side, the Pacers have a chance to move one win away from their first-ever NBA championship. But the Thunder, who won 68 games in the regular season, are expected to punch back hard.
SportsLigue