Indiana pacers lead the final
The Indiana Pacers moved ahead in the NBA Finals with a 116–107 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, seizing a 2–1 series lead and putting themselves just two wins away from their first-ever NBA title.
Led by star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Pacers delivered a balanced, team-oriented performance in front of their home crowd in Indianapolis. The crucial Game 4 will also be played on Saturday in Indiana, before the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Tuesday.
One of the key factors in Indiana’s win was the strong contribution from their bench, which outscored Oklahoma’s reserves 49–18. Canadian guard Bennedict Mathurin exploded for a career playoff-high 27 points, while T.J. McConnell added 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals, injecting energy and poise.
Pascal Siakam also chipped in with 21 points, providing a consistent scoring threat throughout.
Meanwhile, the Thunder struggled to get their usual performance from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was held to 24 points — with only 3 in the fourth quarter — in a quiet performance by his standards. Jalen Williams led OKC with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Key Moments and Momentum Shifts
Oklahoma started strong, jumping to a 15–6 lead within five minutes. Despite Indiana narrowing the gap with a Haliburton three, the Thunder maintained control to close the first quarter up 32–24.
Indiana, however, clawed back in the second quarter behind high-tempo play and bench production. McConnell’s free throws gave them their first lead at 37–36, and a Mathurin floater stretched it to 46–42. The half ended with Indiana ahead 64–60, fueled by Haliburton and timely plays from the bench.
In the third quarter, the Thunder responded with an 8–0 run, reclaiming a brief advantage before Indiana fought back. The lead changed hands multiple times, and OKC went into the fourth up 89–84.
But Indiana’s hustle — particularly on defense — turned the tide. They forced 19 Thunder turnovers, converting them into 21 points. A clutch Haliburton three gave Indiana a 100–98 lead with just over six minutes left. Moments later, Obi Toppin’s highlight-reel dunk and a crucial block on Jalen Williams sealed the momentum swing.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised the team-first mentality: “T.J. brought a high competitive spirit. Mathurin was aggressive and efficient. It’s not always the same guys who lead the scoring — that’s how we play.”
He added: “The most important thing is flexibility. You’ve got to be determined to win.”
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