Pacers Lead NBA Finals 2-1 | Thunder Fall Late
- INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers, fueled by a dominant fourth quarter, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 Wednesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.After...
- Teams winning Game 3 after a 1-1 split have won the series more than 80% of the time.
- Oklahoma City struggled mightily in the final quarter, scoring just 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
The Indiana Pacers surged ahead in the NBA Finals, overpowering the Oklahoma City Thunder with a decisive 116-107 victory in Game 3, establishing a commanding 2-1 series lead. Bennedict Mathurin’s explosive 27-point performance off the bench fueled the Pacers’ crucial win, while the Thunder struggled to find their rhythm. Despite shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 24 points,costly turnovers hampered Oklahoma City’s efforts.The Pacers capitalized on defensive strategies, demonstrating their dominance on the court. With the momentum shifting, the team now looks poised. Discover what’s next with News Directory 3’s coverage as the series intensifies, and the Thunder seek a response in Game 4.
Pacers Seize NBA Finals Lead with Game 3 Victory Over Thunder
Updated June 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers, fueled by a dominant fourth quarter, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 Wednesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.After a back-and-forth battle, Indiana’s defense and offensive hustle proved too much for Oklahoma City, forcing key mistakes and shifting the series momentum.
History favors the Pacers. Teams winning Game 3 after a 1-1 split have won the series more than 80% of the time. Game 4 is set for Friday, also in Indianapolis.
Oklahoma City struggled mightily in the final quarter, scoring just 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting. Pascal Siakam’s defense stifled thunder star and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who managed only one basket on three attempts in that period. gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points but needed 20 shots and committed six turnovers, hindering the Thunder’s championship role.
Indiana’s defense has been a key to their success. The Pacers are now 24-3 this season when holding opponents under 110 points, including a perfect 14-0 at home.
“It wasn’t all bad,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But we definitely have to play our style and impose our will for more of the 48 minutes if we want to come on the road and get a win.”
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. However, the night belonged to bennedict Mathurin, who exploded for 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench. Math