In Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers earned a critical 116–107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, grabbing a 2–1 series edge.
For the first time in this series, Indiana led for an extended stretch, flipping home-court energy into sustained runs. A second-quarter surge saw the Pacers outscore OKC by 12 points, setting the tone before they pulled away again in the final period.
Haliburton’s Commanding Return
Tyrese Haliburton reignited his superstar form with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, coming just shy of a triple-double
After two quiet outings, he dictated pace and flow, using his passing vision to unlock the Thunder’s defence. His four steals sparked transition bursts, and his clutch free throws in the closing minutes quelled any OKC comeback hopes. Haliburton’s leadership reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s premier floor generals.
Bench Power Fuels Breakaway
Indiana’s reserves dominated, outscoring OKC’s second unit 49–18
Bennedict Mathurin exploded for a game-high 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including a decisive 3-pointer to cap the Pacers’ (2.85) final run. T.J. McConnell chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, his hustle igniting the crowd and halting Thunder rallies. That cushion from the bench allowed Indiana’s stars to rest in the fourth, keeping their energy high when it mattered most.
Thunder Struggle in Final Frame
Despite strong scoring from Jalen Williams (26 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24), and Chet Holmgren (20), the Thunder wilted in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 32–18
Five turnovers in the final period translated into easy Pacers fast-break points, swinging momentum definitively. Oklahoma City’s top-seeded offence looked out of sync without timely stops, unable to match Indiana’s depth. Their bench managed just 18 points, leaving them short on support.
Series Spotlight: What Comes Next
With a 2–1 lead, the Pacers head back on the road for Game 4 in Oklahoma City this Friday. Historically, teams winning Game 3 of a tied Finals series go on to win the championship 80.5% of the time, underscoring the significance of Indy’s triumph. The Thunder must tighten their fourth-quarter defence and limit turnovers to force a Game 5 back in Indianapolis. Fans can expect another tactical battle as both teams fight for control of basketball’s ultimate prize.
