Pacers defeat Thunder 116-107, lead NBA Finals in Game 3. In a thrilling game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday night in Game 3 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals. With the win, the Pacers took a 2-1 series lead, fueled by a vibrant home crowd. Standouts like Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin were decisive, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept the Thunder competitive. The game, marked by lead changes and intense plays, highlights the rivalry in the Finals. Game 4 is set for Friday at 8:30 PM in the same arena.
The game started with the Thunder dominating the first quarter, led by Chet Holmgren, who scored 12 points early on. However, the Pacers fought back in the second quarter, with Tyrese Haliburton and Mathurin energizing the crowd. The game remained close, with 13 ties by the third quarter, when Indiana took control.
The final moments were critical, with Siakam and Mathurin securing the lead. Here are some game highlights:
- Mathurin scored 27 points, a career high.
- Siakam delivered crucial points in the final quarter.
- Myles Turner’s defense, with two consecutive blocks, was pivotal.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with clutch plays.
The matchup showcased the Pacers’ collective strength, leveraging the home crowd to turn the tide. The series now heats up with Game 4 approaching.
Thrilling comeback at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
In the first quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder took the lead, with Holmgren and Luguentz Dort hitting three-pointers. The margin reached nine points, but the Pacers responded with Siakam and Haliburton, narrowing the gap. The second quarter saw multiple lead changes, with Mathurin coming off the bench to ignite the game. Indiana ended the period four points ahead, going into halftime with a 64-60 lead.
The home crowd played a vital role, pushing the team during high-pressure moments. Haliburton, despite a less dominant performance than in Game 1, showed leadership in orchestrating key plays. The balance persisted until the third quarter, when the Pacers began to assert defensive dominance.
Mathurin steals the show
Bennedict Mathurin was the standout of the night. Coming off the bench, the young wing scored 27 points, including three-pointers and crucial free throws. His energy shifted the game’s momentum, particularly in the second and fourth quarters. In a key moment, Mathurin scored two points and drew a foul, solidifying the Pacers’ lead.
Pascal Siakam also shone, with consistent plays in the paint and in the final minutes. The duo was essential in maintaining the lead despite the Thunder’s pressure. Here are Mathurin’s key stats:
- 27 points, with 60% field goal accuracy.
- 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
- 4 free throws made in the final quarter.
- Defensive impact with steals.
Turner’s defense makes the difference
Myles Turner, the Pacers’ center, had a standout defensive performance. In the fourth quarter, he delivered two consecutive blocks on Chet Holmgren, electrifying the crowd and halting the Thunder’s offense. Turner also contributed points in the paint, helping to preserve the lead. His presence in the paint limited Oklahoma’s drives, forcing them to rely on long-range shots.
The Pacers’ collective defense was another strength. The team forced turnovers from the Thunder, especially in the closing minutes, as Oklahoma tried to close the gap. Aaron Nesmith, despite fouling out, also played a key role in containment.
Shai tries, but Thunder fall short
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star, was their top performer, delivering high-level plays throughout the game. He finished with significant points, including three-pointers and free throws that kept Oklahoma in contention. However, the lack of consistency from other players limited the team’s chances.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren had bright moments but couldn’t match the pace set by the Pacers. The Thunder struggled with Indiana’s defensive intensity and the hostile crowd, which turned the arena into a cauldron.
Decisive moments in the final quarter
The fourth quarter was the most thrilling, with lead changes and impactful plays. Indiana pulled ahead with a three-pointer from Nesmith and two points from Obi Toppin. The Thunder responded with Williams and Shai, tying the game at 98-98. However, Haliburton hit a long-range shot, putting the Pacers back in front.
The final stretch was dominated by Siakam and Mathurin, who sealed the win with layups and free throws. Turner’s defense and the crowd’s energy clinched the result. The final score, 116-107, reflected the Pacers’ dominance in the closing minutes.
Pacers’ history of comebacks
The Pacers have a storied history of dramatic comebacks. Over the past 27 years, they lead the NBA in games won after trailing by 15 points or more. This trait was evident in Game 3, as Indiana overcame the Thunder’s early lead. Their ability to stay composed and seize critical moments was key to the outcome.
The passionate fanbase is also a factor. Gainbridge Fieldhouse was packed, with fans cheering every possession. This atmosphere helped the Pacers stay focused, even under pressure.
Next steps in the series
Game 4, scheduled for Friday at 8:30 PM, promises to be even more competitive. The Pacers will again have home-court advantage, while the Thunder aim to tie the series. Oklahoma will need to adjust its defense and rely on a more balanced effort to counter Indiana’s momentum.
Key factors for the next game:
- Haliburton’s consistency on three-pointers.
- The Thunder’s ability to contain Mathurin.
- The paint battle between Turner and Holmgren.
- Free-throw accuracy for both teams.
Star rivalry
The matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton has been a series highlight. In Game 1, Haliburton shone with a last-second comeback. In Game 2, Shai responded with a dominant performance. In Game 3, both had starring moments, but the Pacers’ team efficiency made the difference.
Haliburton’s playmaking and Shai’s shot creation remain central. Their duel adds an extra layer of excitement to the Finals.
Numbers that tell the story
The game featured stats that highlight its balance and intensity. The Pacers had a better field goal percentage (48% vs. 43% for the Thunder) and dominated rebounds (42 vs. 38). Indiana also converted 85% of their free throws, a decisive factor late in the game.
The Thunder hit more three-pointers (12 vs. 9) but struggled with defensive consistency. These figures underscore the Pacers’ teamwork and the challenges Oklahoma faced.
