Pacers Game 3 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder marked a historic night in Indianapolis, which hosted its first NBA Finals game in 25 years. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd erupted as Indiana edged out a 116-107 victory, seizing a 2-1 lead in the series.
With intensity building from the start, the game featured back-and-forth action until Indiana pulled away late in the fourth quarter. The Pacers Game 3 win didn’t come easy, but it showcased everything that has made this team dangerous in the postseason: resilience, depth, and stellar late-game execution.
Strong Fourth Quarter Secures Pacers Game 3 Win
Trailing by one with just over six minutes left, Indiana flipped the game’s momentum in a flash. Obi Toppin’s put-back dunk ignited a 9-1 run, giving Indiana a seven-point lead and full control. The Thunder, like many before them in these playoffs, were overwhelmed by Indiana’s relentless closing style.
The home crowd was star-studded, featuring Caitlin Clark, Oscar Robertson, and Reggie Miller. Their energy clearly fueled the Pacers’ late-game surge.
Tyrese Haliburton, after a quiet Game 2 and battling injury, came alive with 22 points. He credited teammates for lifting the team when it mattered most. Pascal Siakam added 21, while Bennedict Mathurin led all scorers with 27 points off the bench, continuing his breakout postseason.
“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton said. “Pascal was huge. Mathurin was amazing. Our bench was amazing.”
Bench Dominance, Defense Key in Pacers Game 3 Win
Indiana’s bench overwhelmed Oklahoma City’s, outscoring them 30-11 in the first half. Mathurin’s aggressive scoring and TJ McConnell’s leadership and hustle (10 points, 5 assists, 5 steals) were crucial.
OKC started strong with Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort leading the way early. Holmgren kept the offense flowing with 13 points, while Dort knocked down three triples. But a cold shooting second quarter, paired with Indiana’s defensive pressure, turned the tide.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 38 and 34 points in the first two games, was limited to 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting in Game 3. Indiana’s defense contained him enough to shift the rhythm in their favor.
Haliburton Praises Fans, Looks Ahead
Reflecting on the night, Haliburton emphasized the importance of the Pacers Game 3 win not just for the team, but for the city.
“They deserve high-stakes, high-level basketball,” he said. “We can enjoy it now, but we’ve got to get ready for Game 4.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday in Indianapolis, before the Finals return to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday at the Paycom Center.
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