Pacers Take 2-1 NBA Finals Lead with Strong Late-Game Surge Against Thunder

Indiana Pacers Seize 2-1 NBA Finals Lead with Gritty Fourth-Quarter Performance Over Oklahoma City Thunder

The Indiana Pacers delivered a defining statement in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, storming past the Oklahoma City Thunder with a dominant fourth-quarter surge that resulted in a 116-107 win. With this impressive performance on their home court in Indianapolis, the Pacers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and moved one step closer to their first NBA championship in franchise history.

Unlike their previous playoff wins, which often required dramatic comebacks, Indiana controlled the late stages of Game 3 with poise, energy, and elite execution on both ends of the court. Their suffocating defense and relentless hustle stifled a young and talented Thunder squad that had entered the Finals as heavy favorites.

Fourth-Quarter Masterclass Puts Pacers in Control
The decisive moment came in the final 12 minutes of play, where Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 29-15. The Pacers turned a five-point deficit at the end of the third quarter into a comfortable win, executing with precision while forcing the Thunder into costly errors. Oklahoma City shot just 6-of-17 from the field in the fourth quarter and committed multiple unforced turnovers—rare lapses for one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams.

Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held in check when it mattered most. The Thunder star managed just one field goal attempt in the fourth, stifled by the relentless defense of Pascal Siakam. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points but needed 20 shots to get there and committed six turnovers—many of them under pressure from Indiana’s aggressive perimeter defense.

The Pacers’ ability to clamp down defensively was the backbone of their success. They improved to 24-3 on the season when holding opponents under 110 points, including a perfect 14-0 record at home under those conditions. Their ability to disrupt Oklahoma City’s rhythm in the final quarter showcased their growth, discipline, and playoff maturity.

Bennedict Mathurin Shines Off the Bench
While Tyrese Haliburton delivered an outstanding performance—finishing with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds—it was reserve guard Bennedict Mathurin who electrified the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd. Mathurin, who didn’t play a single minute in the first quarter, erupted for 27 points in just 22 minutes. His outburst marked the most points scored by a reserve in the NBA Finals since 2011.

Mathurin’s scoring surge helped Indiana’s bench outplay Oklahoma City’s by a massive 49-18 margin. It was a complete turnaround from Game 2, where the Thunder’s second unit had been the difference-maker. Alongside T.J. McConnell, who added grit, hustle, and several key steals, Mathurin helped flip the game’s momentum midway through the first half. At one point, the Pacers trailed by eight points—only for the bench to spearhead a furious rally that energized the building and set the tone for the rest of the game.

By halftime, Indiana led 64-60, thanks in large part to 30 points from the bench and 10 fast-break points—more than they had in either of the previous two games. The Pacers’ transition game, a major factor throughout their postseason run, was back in full swing. They finished the game with 17 fast-break points, nearly doubling their combined total from Games 1 and 2.

Team Defense and Execution Down the Stretch
Indiana’s team-first mentality shined in the fourth quarter, where key plays on both ends allowed them to maintain control. Two offensive rebounds in the final five minutes turned into four crucial points, as the Thunder failed to box out properly. Those hustle plays extended the lead to eight with just over three minutes remaining and effectively sealed the win.

Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience and readiness across the roster:
“This is the kind of team that we are. We need everybody to be ready. It’s not always going to be the same guys stepping up with scoring and stuff like that. But this is how we got to do it—together. We’ve got to make it as hard as possible on them.”

Despite a sluggish close to the third quarter, in which they scored just five points over the final five minutes, the Pacers regrouped. Their focus never wavered, and they responded with one of their most complete quarters of the postseason.

Oklahoma City Falters Under Pressure
The Thunder’s inexperience showed in Game 3. Their 19 turnovers marked their highest total of the playoffs, and many of them came during critical stretches where Indiana ramped up the defensive intensity. Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles were mirrored by the rest of the roster, particularly the bench, which couldn’t replicate its Game 2 heroics.

Still, Oklahoma City had moments of promise. Jalen Williams, in only his third season, showed tremendous poise and creativity, particularly in the third quarter, where his scoring and playmaking helped the Thunder reclaim a lead. His layup with seven minutes left in the fourth tied the game and briefly quieted the Indiana crowd. But the Thunder couldn’t sustain that momentum.

“They really outplayed us in the fourth,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault admitted postgame.
“It wasn’t all bad, but we definitely have to play our style and impose our will for more of the 48 minutes if we want to come on the road and get a win.”

Game 4 Looms Large in Indianapolis
Now down 2-1, Oklahoma City finds itself in a must-win situation heading into Game 4 on Friday night in Indianapolis. While they came back from a similar position in the second round against the Denver Nuggets, the pressure is significantly higher on the Finals stage—especially against a Pacers team that is firing on all cylinders and thriving in front of its home fans.

Indiana, on the other hand, has a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead and inch closer to its first-ever NBA title. With contributions from across the roster and a clear identity rooted in speed, defense, and selfless play, the Pacers are proving they belong on basketball’s biggest stage.

As the series continues, one thing is clear: Game 3 wasn’t just a win—it was a declaration. The Indiana Pacers aren’t just competing in these NBA Finals. They’re chasing history, and they’re doing it their way.