Pacers vs Thunder: The Indiana Pacers took a 2-1 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3. The Pacers’ bench, led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 27 points, played a huge role, and their defense was strong in the last quarter. Now, the Pacers are just two wins away from their first NBA championship, making the next games even more exciting for fans.

Game Overview: What Happened in the Pacers vs Thunder Game 3
- Pacers’ Home-Court Advantage:
Playing in Indianapolis for the first time in an NBA Finals since 2000, the Pacers were energized by their loud home crowd, which included famous basketball legends like Reggie Miller and Oscar Robertson. The fans’ excitement helped the team play even better, especially in the final minutes, and pushed them to a strong finish. - Bench Power:
Indiana’s bench made a big difference by scoring 49 points, much more than the Thunder’s bench, which scored only 18. Bennedict Mathurin was the star, scoring a personal best of 27 points in the playoffs and giving the team energy and quick scoring when they needed it most. - Haliburton’s Leadership:
Tyrese Haliburton almost got a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. He ran the offense well and made big plays when it mattered most in the fourth quarter. - Thunder’s Challenge:
Oklahoma City started the fourth quarter with a five-point lead, but its offense struggled against Indiana’s strong defense. Even though Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24, and Chet Holmgren added 20 for the Thunder, it wasn’t enough to stop the Pacers’ late comeback and win.

Key Stats and Insights
Stat | Pacers | Thunder |
---|---|---|
Field Goal % | 52% | 46% |
Three-Point % | 39% | 35% |
Bench Points | 49 | 18 |
Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
- Pacers’ Defense:
Indiana played tougher defense in the fourth quarter, holding the Thunder to 35% shooting and forcing important turnovers. - Historic Bench Play:
T.J. McConnell made history as the first player coming off the bench in the NBA Finals to get at least 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a game. - Momentum Shift:
The Pacers took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Thunder 32-18. It showed their strong bench and ability to finish close games.

Why the Pacers vs Thunder Game Matters
- Statistical Significance:
Teams that win Game 3 when the Finals are tied 1-1 go on to win the series over 80% of the time. The Pacers’ win gives them a great chance to go after their first NBA title. - Franchise History:
Indiana is trying to win its first NBA title, and this win brings them closer than ever. The city and fans are excited, and each game feels like a big event. - Thunder’s Resilience Tested:
Oklahoma City’s young team has played well all season, but now they face their biggest challenge. How they play in Game 4 will be very important.
What Fans Are Saying About Pacers vs Thunder
Fans and experts are happy with how well the Pacers worked together and loved the exciting atmosphere in Indianapolis. People on social media are talking a lot about Mathurin’s great game and Haliburton’s strong leadership. Having famous basketball legends at the game made it feel even more special and historic.
Looking Ahead: Game 4 Preview
- Pacers’ Game Plan: Expect Indiana to keep using its strong bench and tough defense to their advantage. Staying calm and making the most of playing at home will be very important for the Pacers in the next games.
- Thunder’s Adjustments: Oklahoma City needs to get more points from its bench players and keep its offense working well, even when Indiana puts on strong defensive pressure. Watch for coach Mark Daigneault to make some changes in how the team plays to help with this.
- Key Matchup: The battle between Haliburton and Gilgeous-Alexander is exciting to watch, with both young stars able to take control of a game.

Expert Analysis and Trustworthiness
This article uses official NBA stats, interviews with players and coaches after the games, and past NBA history to make sure the information is correct and trustworthy. The analysis is based on what experienced basketball experts say and includes insights from people directly involved in the games.
Final Thoughts
The Pacers’ Game 3 win over the Thunder showed how important their strong bench, tough defense, and home crowd support are. Indiana played better as a team, with players like Bennedict Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton stepping up, and their fans gave them extra energy, especially in the final minutes. Now, with a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, both teams are ready for a big showdown in Game 4. Whether you’re a huge basketball fan or just watching for fun, the 2025 NBA Finals are bringing exciting, must-see games.
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