In an electrifying matchup at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Thunder holds a 93-74 lead over the Indiana Pacers at the end of the third quarter on June 8, 2025. Spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has already scored 27 points, the Thunder dominates the game with a strong performance, particularly in the paint, where they’ve tallied 34 points. The game, part of the NBA regular season, sees the home team capitalizing on crowd support to set the pace. The Pacers, despite efforts from Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith, struggle to contain the Thunder’s offense. With the game paused before the fourth quarter, the final minutes promise decisive moments.
The Thunder’s dominance solidified throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter, when they built an 18-point lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his knack for drives and mid-range shots, has been the team’s driving force.
- Thunder highlights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (27 points), Chet Holmgren (15 points, including key blocks), and Alex Caruso (15 points).
- Pacers’ numbers: Pascal Siakam (15 points), Aaron Nesmith (14 points), and Myles Turner (14 points).
- Key stats: Thunder shooting 51.6%, compared to 38.7% for the Pacers.
The game remains close in rebounds, but the hosts have more steals, leading to fast-break points.
Paint dominance
The Oklahoma City Thunder found their edge in the paint. With 34 points scored in the key, the team leaned on Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who secured crucial rebounds and blocks that thwarted Pacers’ attempts. Holmgren stood out with an alley-oop dunk in the third quarter, igniting the Paycom Center crowd. The center also delivered a critical block on Obi Toppin, showcasing his defensive presence.
The Pacers struggled to convert close-range shots, managing only 16 points in the paint. Myles Turner, though effective at times, couldn’t assert himself against the Thunder’s physical defense. The lack of a strong interior game forced the visitors to rely on long-range shots, hitting 34.4% from three.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives the offense
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the game’s standout. Converting 9 of 18 field goals and 8 of 9 free throws, the Thunder guard blends precision and aggression. His drives led to direct points and drawn fouls, alongside assists that opened up the offense. In the third quarter, he scored 8 points, including a mid-range jumper that solidified the lead.
Beyond scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander added 4 steals, showing defensive versatility. His ability to read the game and exploit Pacers’ defensive gaps has been a game-changer. The guard also benefited from assists by Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso, who created space in the attack.
Pacers’ response
Despite the deficit, the Indiana Pacers showed flashes of resilience. Pascal Siakam, with 15 points and 8 of 9 free throws, led the team’s scoring in the third quarter. His ability to attack the basket and convert free throws kept the Pacers in contention, though the gap widened. Aaron Nesmith also shone, hitting 4 of 8 three-pointers, providing a consistent offensive option.
Tyrese Haliburton, however, underperformed. With just 5 points and 3 turnovers, the guard struggled against the defensive pressure from Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. His attempts to orchestrate the offense with quick passes were stifled by the Thunder’s aggressive defense, which forced errors and limited scoring options.
Pivotal third-quarter moments
The third quarter saw a series of plays that widened the Thunder’s lead. After a balanced start, with the Pacers cutting the gap to 10 points, the hosts responded with a 12-4 run, fueled by Alex Caruso’s shooting and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throws.
- Key play: Aaron Wiggins hit a three-pointer at 5:24, pushing the lead to 19 points.
- Stout defense: The Thunder recorded 3 blocks in the period, with Kenrich Williams denying Obi Toppin.
- Pacers’ miscue: Tyrese Haliburton’s turnover in a critical moment led to a fast-break score by Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Paycom Center crowd roared with the team’s intensity, especially after Holmgren’s dunk, which symbolized the hosts’ control.
Pacers’ defensive struggles
The Indiana Pacers’ defense struggled to contain the Thunder’s versatile attack. The mix of long-range shooting and drives exposed marking flaws, particularly on the perimeter. Alex Caruso, hitting 3 of 6 threes, capitalized on open looks, while Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins added timely shots.
Myles Turner, despite his 14 points, committed 3 turnovers, including a bad pass that led to easy Thunder points. Defensive miscommunication also allowed offensive rebounds for the hosts, who converted 6 second-chance points.
Bench contributions
The Thunder’s reserves played a key role in sustaining the lead. Aaron Wiggins, with 11 points and 3 of 4 from three, brought energy off the bench. Kenrich Williams, though scoreless, added 4 rebounds and a block, bolstering the defense.
For the Pacers, T.J. McConnell was a bright spot among reserves, with 5 points and 5 assists. His entry injected pace into the offense, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Bennedict Mathurin, with 6 points, struggled with turnovers and fouls, limiting his impact.
Stats shaping the game
The stats reflect the Thunder’s dominance:
- Field goal percentage: Thunder at 51.6%, Pacers at 38.7%.
- Points in the paint: 34-16 in favor of the Thunder.
- Steals: 8 for the Thunder, 6 for the Pacers.
- Free throws: Thunder at 86.4%, Pacers at 71.4%.
These figures highlight the hosts’ offensive efficiency and defensive aggression, capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.
Recent history between teams
The matchup is part of a competitive regular-season series. The Indiana Pacers lead 1-0, having won the first game 111-110 in a last-second thriller. That victory boosted the Pacers’ confidence, but the Thunder, with a 68-14 record and 35-6 at home, flexes its strength at Paycom Center.
In the prior game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder, while Tyrese Haliburton guided the Pacers with assists. The rivalry between the two guards adds intrigue, with both aiming to control the game’s tempo.
Fouls and timeouts
Fouls have shaped the game’s flow. The Thunder committed 17 fouls, compared to 16 by the Pacers, leading to 21 free throws for the visitors. Pascal Siakam, hitting 8 of 9 free throws, capitalized most. However, Pacers’ fouls at key moments, like Aaron Nesmith’s in the third quarter, allowed the Thunder to maintain the lead.
Timeouts were strategic. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle used three to adjust the defense and attempt a comeback, while Thunder’s Mark Daigneault leveraged breaks to keep his starters sharp.
What’s next in the fourth quarter
With the score at 93-74, the final quarter is make-or-break for the Pacers, who must improve shooting accuracy and cut turnovers. Tyrese Haliburton, quiet so far, will be pivotal in sparking a rally.
For the Thunder, maintaining offensive aggression and defensive solidity is key. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a proven closer, will likely remain the focal point, with Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso ensuring consistency on both ends.