The Indiana Pacers took full advantage of home court advantage, pulling away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-107, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The victory gave Indiana a 2-1 series lead, building on their previous win in Game 1 where Tyrese Haliburton’s heroics in the final moments sealed the deal with a last-second jumper.
Haliburton bounced back from a lackluster Game 2 with a standout performance, contributing 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. His ability to command the game from both ends of the floor proved vital as the Pacers capitalized on their opportunities. Supporting Haliburton, the Pacers’ bench, particularly Benedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam, played a significant role in the victory. Mathurin led Indiana in scoring with 27 points, shooting efficiently from the field and the free-throw line, while Siakam also contributed 21 points and strong all-around play with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
On the other side, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a mixed game, managing 24 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, despite shooting 9-of-20 from the floor. Jalen Williams led the Thunder in scoring with 26 points, but the team struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter, surrendering a 32-18 deficit in the final 12 minutes. Chet Holmgren, despite his double-double, was unable to overcome a difficult shooting night with a 6-of-15 performance, ultimately adding 10 rebounds and 2 assists for the Thunder.
The game followed a dramatic arc, with the Thunder leading after three quarters, 89-84. However, Indiana’s fourth-quarter dominance was the difference in the outcome, as they maintained composure under pressure. The Pacers now prepare to host Game 4, hoping to build on their momentum and secure an early advantage in the series. The Thunder, meanwhile, must address their late-game struggles if they hope to turn the series around in their favor.