The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.
INDIANAPOLIS (WE) — The 2025 NBA Finals have taken another dramatic turn. The Indiana Pacers now lead the series 2-1 after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday night. The victory came in front of an electrified home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marking their first home game of the series.
Once again, the Thunder find themselves in a familiar position. Earlier in the postseason, they trailed 2-1 to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. At that time, they managed a comeback. However, the stakes are significantly higher now, with the NBA championship hanging in the balance.
Wednesday’s game saw the Thunder seize early momentum. They led for most of the first half. Nevertheless, Indiana flipped the script in the second quarter. Fueled by a 40-point burst, the Pacers turned a deficit into a halftime lead, going into the break ahead 64-60.
Despite the shift, Oklahoma City refused to fold. They responded with intensity in the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 29-20 and reclaiming the lead at 89-84. At that point, it appeared the Thunder had regained control.
However, Indiana had other plans. Just over three minutes into the fourth quarter, they tied the game at 95. Then, with 8:02 remaining, Bennedict Mathurin hit a pivotal three-pointer to give the Pacers a 98-95 lead. From that moment on, Indiana never trailed again.
Mathurin led all Pacers scorers with 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting. His performance included four three-pointers and several key drives. Notably, his shot selection and timing helped break down Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense.
Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. As a result, he narrowly missed recording a triple-double. Once again, the All-NBA guard proved essential in managing the offense, especially in clutch moments.
Pascal Siakam, meanwhile, scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. His veteran presence and ability to create mismatches were critical in Indiana’s comeback. Since arriving midseason from the Toronto Raptors, Siakam has emerged as a playoff difference-maker.
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points. Despite his efforts, Indiana’s defense held him in check during key stretches. The 2025 NBA MVP faced constant traps and pressure, limiting his impact late in the game.
Furthermore, Jalen Williams poured in 26 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Holmgren, in particular, was a force in the paint, but the Thunder lacked consistent production down the stretch.
Read More:
- Oklahoma City Thunder top the Pacers 123‑107 to even NBA Finals in Game 2
- Tyrese Haliburton Stuns Thunder with Last-Second Shot as Pacers Rally from 15 Down to Win Game 1 of NBA Finals
- Thunder and Pacers Set for Historic NBA Finals Clash in Search of First Title
Indiana’s bench made a significant impact. Players like Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin brought energy, defense, and ball movement. In total, Indiana’s bench outscored Oklahoma City’s reserves 30-18, further widening the margin.
In terms of execution, the Pacers were sharper. They recorded 29 assists on 42 field goals. Meanwhile, the Thunder managed only 21 assists, with most of their offense coming from isolation play. Consequently, Indiana was able to control the pace and find open looks.
Head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized discipline and composure in his postgame remarks. “We stayed focused. We didn’t get rattled. That’s been our identity,” he said.
Conversely, Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City’s head coach, acknowledged his team’s breakdowns. “They hit us with that run and we didn’t respond the right way,” he admitted. “But we’ve seen this before. The key now is to adjust.”
This Game 3 result closely mirrors the Thunder’s earlier postseason storyline. In the Western Semifinals, Denver won Game 1 with a buzzer-beater. Oklahoma City responded with a big win in Game 2. Then, Denver took Game 3 at home — just as Indiana has now.
However, that Denver series didn’t have the pressure of the NBA Finals. The intensity is higher. The margin for error is smaller. And the Thunder know that falling into a 3-1 hole could be fatal.
The Pacers, by contrast, are thriving under the spotlight. This is their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Led by a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, they appear poised and hungry. Their fan base has responded, flooding Monument Circle after the win and bringing life to downtown Indianapolis.
Importantly, Indiana also won the rebounding battle 45-39. Myles Turner grabbed 11 boards and added three blocks. His rim protection was vital in stalling Oklahoma City’s interior attack.
In addition, Indiana shot 48.8% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. Those numbers reflect their balanced attack and smart shot selection. On the other hand, Oklahoma City shot just 44% overall and 32% from deep.
Looking ahead, Game 4 becomes critical for both teams. Scheduled for Friday night at 8:30 p.m. ET, it offers Indiana a chance to take full control of the series. Conversely, a Thunder win would shift momentum back to Oklahoma City and tie the series 2-2.
If the Pacers can replicate their ball movement, defense, and shot-making, they’ll be tough to beat. But Oklahoma City isn’t going away. Their resilience has defined them all season, and they’ve responded to adversity before.
The Thunder will likely emphasize better ball rotation and defensive switching. Gilgeous-Alexander needs support. Players like Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace must step up and stretch the floor.
In conclusion, Game 3 showcased Indiana’s composure, execution, and depth. Despite trailing early, they adjusted, surged ahead, and sealed the win with smart play. The Thunder, while talented, need to regroup and raise their level on both ends.
As the series continues, fans can expect more drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. So far, the 2025 NBA Finals have delivered all of that — and much more.
