Pacers Find Their Edge: Indiana Beats Thunder to Take Control of NBA Finals
Haliburton, Mathurin and a Relentless Bench Lift Pacers to 2-1 Series Lead
In front of a roaring crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers delivered a statement win in Game 3 of the NBA Finals — and they did it their way. They didn’t rely solely on star power or a lights-out shooting performance. They leaned into something far more sustainable: collective grit, bench depth, and fourth-quarter execution.
The result? A 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder that puts Indiana ahead 2-1 in the best-of-seven series — and restores the swagger they briefly lost in Game 2.
“Man, it was all about everybody stepping up,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who came just one rebound shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine boards. “So many different guys chipped in. Ben [Mathurin] was amazing off the bench. We just had guys make plays after plays.”
And those plays came at just the right time.
A Game That Hung in the Balance
For much of the night, the Pacers trailed. They entered the fourth quarter down by five, and the game had the feeling of one that might slip away. But instead of folding, Indiana responded with composure and a burst of energy that has become their trademark during this postseason run.
It wasn’t just the stars, though Haliburton was once again the engine. It was also the second unit — particularly Bennedict Mathurin — who shifted the momentum. The 21-year-old guard erupted for 27 points off the bench, tormenting Oklahoma City’s defenders with slashing drives, transition buckets, and fearless shot-making.
“You’ve got to be resilient in games like this,” Mathurin said afterward. “We knew they’d come at us, but we had to be the aggressors. That’s how you win in the Finals.”
Resilient might be underselling it. The Pacers outscored the Thunder by a staggering 49-18 margin in bench points. It was the kind of performance that underlines why Indiana hasn’t lost back-to-back games since March — a streak that now spans nearly three months.
Thunder Lose Grip in Crucial Fourth Quarter
The Thunder, for their part, were in it until the closing minutes — but never looked completely settled. NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, but only three came in the decisive fourth quarter as Indiana tightened the screws defensively and disrupted his rhythm.
Instead, it was Jalen Williams who carried the offensive load for Oklahoma City, pouring in 26 points. Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 10 rebounds in a well-rounded performance, but the real backbreaker came in the form of turnovers.
The Thunder committed 19 of them — a season-worst in the postseason — leading directly to 21 Indiana points.
“In the fourth quarter, I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said bluntly. “It wasn’t anything complicated — they just executed better and played harder.”
That execution, particularly from the Pacers‘ role players, is what’s starting to separate these teams.
Haliburton the Orchestrator, but It’s a Full Ensemble
Haliburton continues to grow into his role as Indiana’s undisputed leader. But he’s doing it in a way that feels inclusive, not domineering. His ability to blend scoring with playmaking — to read the moment and make the right call — was on full display in Game 3.
His 11 assists weren’t flashy, but they were meaningful. He constantly found the open man, whether it was Pascal Siakam in the corner, Myles Turner rolling to the rim, or Mathurin curling off a screen.
And when the team needed a big rebound, Haliburton was there too — collecting nine boards, tying his postseason high.
“He’s just got this calmness to him,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “He never forces things. He lets the game come to him, but he’s always in control. That’s rare for a guy this young in a series like this.”
A Team Built for the Moment
Indiana’s run to the Finals has felt like a revelation to many outside of Indianapolis. But within the organization, there’s been quiet confidence brewing all season. They play with pace, they share the ball, and their bench — as Game 3 showed — is more than just a supporting cast.
They’ve shown they can win shootouts. They’ve shown they can grind out ugly games. And now they’ve shown they can outlast a high-powered opponent down the stretch.
It all adds up to a team that’s finding its identity at the perfect time.
“We’re not here by accident,” said Mathurin. “We’ve worked for this, and we’re going to keep working. Nothing’s finished yet.”
Looking Ahead to Game 4: Same Stage, New Stakes
Game 4 tips off on Friday night in Indianapolis (20:30 local / 01:30 BST Saturday), and it already feels like a crossroads for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City will need more than just a bounce-back game from Gilgeous-Alexander — they’ll need better ball security, better bench production, and, frankly, a better fourth quarter.
For Indiana, the message is simple: do it again. Stay aggressive, stay connected, and keep trusting the depth that got them here.
Another win would put the Pacers on the brink of their first NBA championship — and shift the pressure squarely onto Oklahoma City’s young shoulders.
But don’t expect the Pacers to get ahead of themselves.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” said Haliburton, echoing the mantra of every champion in waiting. “This series is far from over.”
No, it isn’t. But if Game 3 was any indication, it’s starting to tilt Indiana’s way.
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