The Indiana Pacers claimed a pivotal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, seizing a 2–1 series lead and positioning themselves as serious contenders for their first championship since joining the NBA in 1976. In front of a raucous home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers delivered a complete team performance, defeating the Thunder 112–103 in a contest that highlighted Indiana’s resilience, balanced offense, and defensive intensity.
This was more than just a win—it was a statement. Led by star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who posted 26 points and 11 assists, Indiana managed to control the pace of the game from the opening tip. Haliburton’s command of the floor, particularly in the pick-and-roll, consistently put pressure on Oklahoma City’s defense. His ability to distribute while keeping defenders honest with his perimeter shooting created open looks for teammates and helped keep the Thunder off balance all night.
Rookie standout Jarace Walker continued to show why he’s one of the league’s brightest young talents, contributing 16 points and 9 rebounds while making several key defensive plays in crunch time. Myles Turner added 18 points and 3 blocks, anchoring the paint and limiting Thunder big man Chet Holmgren’s effectiveness around the rim.
Indiana’s bench also stepped up in a major way, outscoring Oklahoma City’s second unit 34–21. T.J. McConnell provided his usual spark with relentless energy, pestering opposing ball handlers and pushing the tempo whenever possible. The team’s depth, often an underrated asset throughout their playoff run, proved vital once again as the Pacers wore down a younger Thunder squad.
Oklahoma City, on the other hand, looked out of sync at times. Despite another strong effort from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—who tallied 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists—the Thunder struggled to find consistent scoring elsewhere. Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey, typically reliable contributors, were held to a combined 22 points on inefficient shooting. The Pacers’ aggressive perimeter defense forced OKC into contested shots and limited their ability to get easy looks in transition.
The Thunder did make a late push, cutting the Pacers’ lead to five with just under four minutes to play, but Haliburton responded with a cold-blooded three-pointer from well beyond the arc, igniting the crowd and halting Oklahoma City’s momentum. Indiana closed the game on a 10–6 run, executing with poise and precision, showcasing the maturity and cohesion that have defined their postseason journey.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s effort after the game. “We stayed locked in defensively, moved the ball offensively, and most importantly, we played for each other,” Carlisle said. “This was a total team win, and we’ll need more of that if we’re going to finish this the right way.”
This Finals matchup between the Pacers and Thunder is something of a surprise for many fans and analysts, as both teams entered the season with modest expectations. Indiana finished as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, while Oklahoma City was a rising team with a young core that exceeded projections in the West. But both squads have played with grit, intelligence, and heart, making this one of the most compelling and unpredictable Finals series in recent memory.
Now, with a 2–1 lead and home-court advantage, the Pacers are just two wins away from basketball immortality. Game 4 looms large, as a win would put Indiana firmly in control of the series, while a Thunder victory would reset the momentum and knot things up at two games apiece.
For Oklahoma City, adjustments will be necessary. They’ll need more production from their role players and a more focused defensive approach to slow down Haliburton and company. Head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged as much in the postgame presser, saying, “We have to be better defensively. The effort is there, but we need to be more disciplined. Indiana is a well-coached, veteran team, and they’ll make you pay for mistakes.”
As the series progresses, all eyes will remain on these two rising franchises. The Pacers’ blend of youth, experience, and strategic execution is peaking at the right time, while the Thunder’s explosive potential and resiliency make them a constant threat. Game 4 is set to be a must-watch showdown as Indiana looks to build on its lead and the Thunder aim to even the series and reclaim momentum.
Regardless of the outcome, this NBA Finals is proving to be a thrilling battle between two teams determined to shape the future of the league. For now, Indiana holds the upper hand—and the basketball world is watching to see if t
hey can finish the job.
