Pacers vs Thunder: Indiana Takes 2-1 Lead | NBA Finals 2024
- The Indiana Pacers, fueled by a stellar performance from their bench, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals....
- Indiana's bench outscored Oklahoma City's reserves 49-18, spearheading a decisive 22-8 run to close out the game.
- Tyrese Haliburton, who contributed 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, praised the team's depth."we just had guys make plays after plays," Haliburton said.
The Indiana Pacers surged ahead in the NBA Finals, seizing a 2-1 lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder following a decisive 116-107 victory. Fueled by Bennedict mathurin’s 27 points and T.J.McConnell’s impactful plays, the Pacers’ bench was the game-changer, outscoring the Thunder’s 49-18. This crucial Game 3 win puts Indiana tantalizingly close to their first NBA title. With Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge,the Pacers are showcasing resilience and depth. jalen Williams tried to keep the Thunder close with 26 points, but Indiana’s collective effort proved too much.Read this coverage and others like it on News Directory 3.will the Pacers maintain their momentum? discover what’s next in game 4.
Pacers seize NBA Finals lead with Game 3 victory over thunder
Updated June 12, 2025
The Indiana Pacers, fueled by a stellar performance from their bench, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Bennedict Mathurin led the charge with 27 points, while T.J. McConnell’s hustle and playmaking proved crucial in the fourth quarter.
Indiana’s bench outscored Oklahoma City’s reserves 49-18, spearheading a decisive 22-8 run to close out the game. The Pacers now stand two wins away from their first NBA title.
Tyrese Haliburton, who contributed 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, praised the team’s depth.”we just had guys make plays after plays,” Haliburton said. “Our bench was amazing.” Pascal Siakam added 21 points, including a key layup late in the game.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 24 and Chet Holmgren with 20 points and 10 rebounds. however, Oklahoma City struggled in the fourth quarter, shooting just 35.3% and going 0-for-4 from three-point range.
McConnell’s steal and layup early in the fourth tied the game, and his assist to Mathurin for a three-pointer gave Indiana the lead. Haliburton then hit a three of his own, igniting a Pacers surge that included contributions from Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith.
Despite a late push by Oklahoma City, Myles turner’s two blocks on Holmgren and Siakam’s layup sealed the victory for Indiana. The Pacers have now won 10 consecutive games following a loss as mid-march.
Oklahoma City had built a lead in the third quarter, but they couldn’t contain Indiana’s Pacers bench in their first home NBA Finals game since 2000.
“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton said.
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night in Indianapolis. A win would give the Pacers a commanding 3-1 series lead.Historically, teams that win Game 3 of a tied NBA Finals have gone on to win the championship 80.5% of the time.
What’s next
The Pacers look to continue their strong play at home in Game 4, aiming to put significant pressure on the Thunder as the series progresses. Oklahoma City will need to find answers for Indiana’s bench production and improve their fourth-quarter execution to avoid falling into a 3-1 deficit.