The Indiana Pacers reclaimed the upper hand in the NBA Finals with a hard-fought 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, securing a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, anchoring a spirited team effort that overcame a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
The Pacers’ bench proved to be the difference-maker, outscoring their Thunder counterparts 49-18. Reserve Bennedict Mathurin electrified the home crowd with 27 points, showcasing the depth that has defined Indiana’s playoff run.
“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 emphasized resilience, stating, “The main thing is you have to be resilient. You have to be the aggressor in order to win games.”
The Pacers, rebounding from a 123-107 loss in Game 2, maintained their streak of avoiding consecutive defeats since March. Their defensive intensity forced 19 Thunder turnovers, which Indiana converted into 21 points.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City struggled to find rhythm in the final period. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, managed 24 points but was limited to just three in the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter Indiana’s late surge.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Pacers’ dominance in the clutch, saying, “In the fourth quarter, I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends.”
The series now shifts to a pivotal Game 4, set for Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as the Pacers aim to build on their momentum and move one step closer to the NBA title.