Tyrese Haliburton and Pacers rally in Game 3 to take 2-1 NBA Finals lead over Thunder [VIDEO]
Indiana Pacers Rally in Fourth Quarter to Win Game 3 of 2025 NBA Finals
On June 11, Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric as the Indiana Pacers hosted their first NBA Finals game in 25 years. With the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder tied at one game apiece, the stakes were high for Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals. What unfolded was a dramatic back-and-forth battle that ended with the Pacers pulling off a 116-107 victory, giving them a 2-1 series lead and a momentum shift heading into Game 4.
The Pacers delivered a masterclass in resilience, overcoming a late-game deficit by dominating the fourth quarter 32-18. Led by Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Pascal Siakam, Indiana capitalized on their home-court advantage and bench depth to stun the Thunder and delight their fans.
Early Thunder Momentum Slips Away
The Thunder came out firing in the first quarter, fueled by Chet Holmgren’s 13-point opening period. Oklahoma City outscored the Pacers 32-24 to establish early control. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams provided steady support as the Thunder looked to set the tone on the road.
However, the Pacers answered in the second quarter with a blistering 40-point effort. Their offense surged behind bench production and fast-paced ball movement, leading to a 64-60 halftime advantage. Despite their early dominance, the Thunder’s defense began to show cracks, and Indiana capitalized.
In Game 2, the Thunder got a wire-to-wire blowout win over the Pacers. Early in Game 3, they carried that momentum. However, the Pacers managed to turn the tide in the second quarter. That turn proved to be a permanent shift in the game.
Thunder Reclaim Control in the Third
In the third quarter, Oklahoma City regrouped and managed to outscore Indiana 29-20. Jalen Williams found rhythm, scoring in bunches, and Gilgeous-Alexander helped steady the offense despite increasing defensive pressure. By the end of the third, the Thunder led 89-84 and looked poised to steal a game on the road.
Williams appeared to be well on his way to leading the Thunder to a win, himself. Not only would a Game 3 win have given Oklahoma City a 2-1 lead in the series, but it would’ve also allowed them to regain home court advantage.
Yet Gilgeous-Alexander’s growing turnover tally, which reached six by game’s end, hinted at a broader problem—the Thunder’s offense was becoming stagnant and error-prone under pressure.
Haliburton and Mathurin Lead Pacers’ Fourth Quarter Comeback
The fourth quarter belonged to Indiana. The Pacers tightened defensively, forced turnovers, and turned broken Thunder possessions into transition points. Outscoring the Thunder 32-18 in the final frame, Indiana sealed their comeback in commanding fashion.
Tyrese Haliburton was the catalyst, delivering 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists—nearly a triple-double. His leadership on both ends of the floor fueled the run, while his orchestration of the offense kept OKC’s defenders guessing.
Bench spark Bennedict Mathurin erupted for 27 points, punishing the Thunder’s second unit and providing the kind of depth every Finals team needs. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, offering reliable scoring and veteran poise.
Thunder Stars Struggle Down the Stretch
Despite putting up strong numbers—24 points for Gilgeous-Alexander, 26 for Jalen Williams, and a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double for Holmgren—the Thunder were outplayed in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander attempted just three shots in the final 12 minutes, making only one. His passive finish, compounded by his six turnovers, stifled OKC’s chances of closing the game.
The team as a whole struggled to adapt to Indiana’s defensive adjustments, failing to match their physicality or tempo. OKC’s bench, which was outscored 47-18, provided little relief.
Statistical Breakdown: Indiana Dominates Key Areas
Indiana shot 51.8% from the field, compared to OKC’s 46.8%. While the Thunder were better from beyond the arc (45.5% to Indiana’s 33.3%), they couldn’t make up the difference inside. The Pacers also went 19-for-22 from the free-throw line (86.4%), compared to the Thunder’s 76.7%.
The Pacers tallied 24 assists, 13 steals, and 11 blocks—evidence of their intensity and control. They also forced 17 turnovers, converting many into fast-break points. The Thunder, with just 16 assists and six steals, lacked the cohesion needed to weather Indiana’s late-game surge.
Historic Moment for Indiana Basketball
Game 3 marked the first NBA Finals game in Indianapolis since the year 2000. Gainbridge Fieldhouse was packed with an energized crowd, feeding into the Pacers’ run. The victory not only gave the Pacers a 2-1 lead in the series but also underscored their growth and legitimacy as Finals contenders.
The home court, long a reliable edge for Indiana, proved decisive once again. The fans roared through every clutch play, culminating in a defining moment for the franchise’s loyal base.
Tonight, the Indiana Pacers made franchise history for the second time in these NBA Finals. With Game 1, the Pacers took the franchise’s first ever 1-0 lead in the Finals. Then, in Game 3, the Pacers’ win both gave them their first-ever Finals 2-1 lead and tied their win total from their previous Finals appearance.
What’s Next: Game 4 and the Road Ahead
With Game 4 set for June 13, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the pressure is on the Thunder to even the series. The Pacers, now up 2-1, will look to push Oklahoma City to the brink before heading back on the road.
Indiana’s adjustments, bench production, and Haliburton’s leadership have them in prime position. For OKC, fixing turnover issues and reestablishing Gilgeous-Alexander as a closer will be critical. Throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Pacers are undefeated after taking a loss. However, the same can be said for the Thunder.
Some have compared this series to the Thunder’s second round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. In that series, the Nuggets gave OKC a fit. However, they figured the Nuggets out and found a way to win the series. So far, they are still searching for those solutions vs. Indiana.
The 2025 NBA Finals continue to deliver thrilling basketball and unexpected heroes. If Game 3 was any indication, Game 4 promises even more fireworks as the battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy heats up.