Introduction: A Historic Moment for Indiana
The Indiana Pacers are closer than ever to claiming their first-ever NBA championship. On June 11, 2025, they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116–107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, seizing a crucial 2–1 series lead.
With dynamic stars, elite bench support, and record-breaking performances, the Pacers have built a Finals narrative that’s as compelling as it is inspiring.
Game 3 Recap: Pacers Rally in the Fourth
Game 3, played in front of a roaring home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, saw the Pacers trailing by five points entering the fourth quarter. What followed was a breathtaking comeback.
Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 32–18 in the final period, turning a back-and-forth battle into a decisive win. There were 15 lead changes—a record-tying figure for an NBA Finals game—before the Pacers finally pulled away.
This win puts Indiana just two victories away from their first title in franchise history.
Bennedict Mathurin: The Breakout Star
If there was one name on everyone’s lips after Game 3, it was Bennedict Mathurin. The 22-year-old Canadian guard came off the bench to score a staggering 27 points, making 9 of 12 shots, including crucial buckets in the fourth quarter.
Key Stats:
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27 points in 29 minutes
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3 rebounds, 2 assists
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+18 +/- rating
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3-of-5 from beyond the arc
Mathurin’s explosive scoring tied him for third-most points by a reserve in NBA Finals history. He also became the first player in Finals history to score 25+ points off the bench before age 23.
Tyrese Haliburton: Mr. Clutch Strikes Again
Tyrese Haliburton, the emotional and tactical leader of this Pacers team, delivered a nearly flawless game:
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22 points
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11 assists
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9 rebounds
He was again masterful in the clutch. Over the last five minutes of the game, Haliburton either scored or assisted on four straight possessions, helping Indiana put the game out of reach.
Known for his high basketball IQ and calm demeanor, Haliburton continues to show why he’s one of the league’s most valuable young stars.
Pascal Siakam: Veteran Presence That Matters
Pascal Siakam, the 2019 champion with Toronto, added his own championship experience and firepower. He scored 21 points, playing both ends of the court effectively. His veteran savvy helped steady the team during rough patches, while his mid-range game punished OKC defenders.
Bench Dominance: A Winning Formula
Indiana’s bench outscored the Thunder’s bench 49–18, a critical difference in the outcome. Alongside Mathurin:
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T. J. McConnell contributed 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals, becoming the first player off the bench in Finals history to hit those benchmarks.
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Obi Toppin added energy and defense in key moments.
The second unit's performance not only kept the game close but also sparked the fourth-quarter surge.
Defensive Adjustments
Indiana’s defense clamped down in the final quarter, forcing OKC into tough shots and turnovers. The Pacers recorded:
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8 steals
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17 points off turnovers
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Only 18 points allowed in Q4
Their fourth-quarter defense was arguably the best of the playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Tough Battle
Despite the loss, the Thunder showed resilience:
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Jalen Williams led with 26 points
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) had 24 points, but struggled in the fourth
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Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds
However, OKC was plagued by 17 turnovers and a lack of bench production, ultimately costing them the game.
Canadian Contingent: A Rising Force in the NBA
Three Canadian players played major roles in Game 3:
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Bennedict Mathurin (Montreal)
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Andrew Nembhard (Guelph, ON)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Toronto)
Their presence marks a new era of Canadian dominance in professional basketball. As of 2025, Canada has the second-most players in the NBA, trailing only the United States.
What’s Next: Game 4 Preview
Game 4 will be played in Indianapolis on June 13, 2025, giving the Pacers a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3–1 series lead.
Historical Context:
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Teams leading 2–1 in the Finals go on to win the series 80.5% of the time.
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If the Pacers win Game 4, they could clinch their first championship in Game 5.
The Thunder are expected to make adjustments, possibly shifting Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting lineup and giving Cason Wallace more minutes.
Keys to Game 4
For the Pacers:
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Maintain defensive intensity in the 4th quarter
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Keep bench production high
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Limit turnovers and control pace
For the Thunder:
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Get SGA going early and often
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Reduce unforced errors
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Improve bench scoring
Fan Energy: Gainbridge Fieldhouse Comes Alive
The crowd in Indianapolis was deafening. Fans brought Finals-level energy, creating one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. Players fed off the crowd's enthusiasm, especially during Indiana’s late-game run.
If the Pacers do go on to win the championship, the home fans will have played a pivotal role in making history.
Conclusion: Indiana on the Brink of Basketball Immortality
The Indiana Pacers are writing a story for the ages. With elite guard play, a fearless bench, and smart coaching, they are one step closer to their first NBA Championship.
Game 3 was a defining moment—not just for the 2025 season but for the franchise’s legacy. Now, all eyes turn to Game 4. Will the Pacers continue their surge, or will the Thunder bounce back?
Stay tuned. This Finals series is far from over—but Indiana may already be tasting history.
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