In a thrilling Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers rallied impressively to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on June 11 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This victory puts the Pacers ahead in the series 2-1, marking a significant milestone as it was the first NBA Finals game played in Indianapolis since 2000.
The Pacers' triumph was fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter performance where they outscored the Thunder 32-18, overturning a five-point deficit entering the final period. Indiana's shooting surged to 61.9% in the fourth quarter compared to Oklahoma City's 35.3%, a stark contrast that proved decisive in the contest.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a near triple-double, contributing 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, alongside two steals. His performance was pivotal, especially considering the struggles he faced against the Thunder in previous matchups. Haliburton reached the 20-point mark for the first time against Oklahoma City in six games over the past two years, a breakthrough that energized his team and fans alike. "I'm fine ... I'll leave it at that. I don't think there's anything more to elaborate. I feel fine, and I'll be ready to go for Game 3," Haliburton said prior to the game, addressing concerns about a lower leg issue that had caused some limping after Game 2, according to reports.
Bennedict Mathurin emerged as the unexpected hero off the bench, scoring a playoff career-high 27 points in just 22 minutes, shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Mathurin's 14 points in the second quarter helped Indiana build momentum, and his 3-pointer with 8:02 left in the fourth quarter put the Pacers ahead 98-96, a lead they never relinquished. T.J. McConnell also played a crucial role, energizing the team with 10 points, five assists, and a game-high five steals, disrupting Oklahoma City's rhythm and sparking a 40-point, one-turnover second quarter for Indiana.
Veteran Pascal Siakam added a strong 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, providing steady leadership and scoring when it mattered most. Obi Toppin contributed eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks off the bench, including a key tip slam in the fourth quarter that ignited the crowd and helped seal the victory.
On the Thunder side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, had a solid night with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, but struggled with ball security, committing a playoff career-high six turnovers. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting and seven made free throws out of eleven attempts. Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Lu Dort chipped in 12 points, including four three-pointers early in the game.
Despite shooting 46.8% from the floor and 10-for-22 from beyond the arc, the Thunder's 19 turnovers—well above their regular season average of 11.7 and playoff average of 12—proved costly. Their bench production lagged far behind Indiana's, with the Pacers outscoring the Thunder bench 49-18, a testament to Indiana's depth and bench energy. The Thunder's starting five had a positive plus-minus (+6 in 12 minutes), but the rest of their lineups struggled (-15 in 36 minutes), highlighting the bench disparity.
The game featured a back-and-forth battle through three quarters, with the Thunder leading 32-24 after the first and 89-84 entering the fourth quarter. Indiana's 40-point explosion in the second quarter, where they shot 60.9% compared to Oklahoma City's 42.9%, turned the tide. The Pacers' bench outscored the Thunder 30-11 in that period, led by Mathurin and McConnell's disruptive defense and playmaking.
Haliburton's leadership shone brightest in the fourth quarter. With 6:40 remaining, he hit a crucial deep three-pointer after a crossover move that gave Indiana a 101-98 lead, a momentum-shifting shot that the Thunder could not overcome. Later, Haliburton made a brilliant cross-court pass to Aaron Nesmith for a three-pointer, showcasing his court vision and poise under pressure.
Indiana's home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, witnessing their team secure the first Finals home win in 25 years. The Pacers have now won eight of their last nine playoff games when Haliburton scores 20 or more points, underscoring his impact on the team's success.
The series now shifts to Game 4 in Indianapolis on Friday, June 13, at 8:30 p.m. ET, where the Pacers have a chance to extend their lead and move two wins away from their first NBA Championship in franchise history. If necessary, Game 5 will be played in Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16, followed by potential Games 6 and 7 alternating between the two venues.
As the Pacers continue to defy expectations with their resilience and depth, the Thunder will need to tighten their ball control and find more bench contributions to avoid falling into a deeper hole. The 2025 NBA Finals remain wide open, but Indiana's Game 3 performance sends a clear message: they are here to compete and claim their place in basketball history.
