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The Indiana Pacers capitalized on their home advantage, pulling away in the final quarter to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-107, in Game 3.
Indiana now leads the NBA Finals series 2-1 after a thrilling Game 1 victory, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch last-second jumper, clinching it at 111-110.
After a lackluster showing in Game 2, Haliburton stepped up his game from beyond the arc, leading Indiana to victory.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter of Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Haliburton finished with 22 points, shooting 9-of-17, including four three-pointers. He was just shy of a triple-double with 11 assists, alongside two steals and one block.
Bench depth has been essential in this series, and Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin rose to the occasion.
THUNDER RESPOND AS SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER EXCELS IN GAME 2 TO TIE NBA FINALS WITH PACERS
Mathurin scored a team-leading 27 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-12 from the field and going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line in 22 minutes. He also added four rebounds and one assist.
Pascal Siakam joined him in scoring over 20 points, with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, and contributed six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) attempts a shot over Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first half of Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled by his usual standards, scoring 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting while dealing with solid defense from Indiana. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 26 points.
Chet Holmgren managed a double-double, yet he would have liked to score more than 20 points, finishing with 10 rebounds and two assists despite shooting 6-of-15.
The Pacers scored 40 points in the second quarter, but the Thunder held a lead of 89-84 after three quarters.
However, Oklahoma City’s offense faltered in the fourth quarter, being outscored 32-18 during a crucial stretch they had not experienced this season.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the third quarter of Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Both teams posted similar stats overall, but Indiana excelled when it mattered most in the final quarter.
The Pacers aim to extend their lead in the series with Game 4 set for Friday night on their home court.
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