Pacers edge Thunder to lead NBA Finals 2-1

Indiana Pacers took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals with a 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, thanks to a complete team performance and a dominant fourth quarter in Indianapolis.

Tyrese Haliburton starred with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin delivered a standout performance off the bench with 27 points to lead the Pacers to victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Pacers entered the final quarter trailing by five but outscored the Thunder 36-22 in the fourth to seal the win. Their bench unit proved decisive, outscoring Oklahoma City’s reserves 49-18.

“So many different guys chipped in,” said Haliburton. “Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench. We just had guys make plays after plays.”

“You have to be resilient and the aggressor to win games,” Mathurin added.

Indiana bounced back after a heavy 123-107 loss in Game 2, continuing their impressive record of not losing back-to-back games since March.

On the Thunder side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, was held to just three points in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points overall.

Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, 19 team turnovers proved costly for the visitors, directly resulting in 21 points for the Pacers.

“In the fourth quarter, I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault.

What’s Next?

• Game 4 of the best-of-seven series tips off at 20:30 local time on Friday (01:30 BST, Saturday), again in Indianapolis.

• The Pacers now hold momentum, while the Thunder look to respond and even the series.