Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals: Indiana Surge Past OKC in Game 3 as Bennedict Mathurin Outshines Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder crumble late as Pacers take crucial Game 3 lead at home

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers turned around the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, taking a vital advantage of a 2-1 lead. OKC Thunder looked worn down after yet another close game slipped from their hands.

The visitors controlled the first quarter, opening a 32-24 lead over the Indiana Pacers. It looked like the Thunder were finally getting the momentum back into the NBA Finals. However, the Pacers put up a wild second quarter performance.

They flipped the script early with a 40-28 run that left OKC reeling. As a result, the Thunder vs. Pacers halftime score was in favor of the home team. Indiana’s momentum came from collective effort rather than standout individual plays. For the OKC Thunder, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that the team leaned on for bailing out again.

571 points and counting… 🔥

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now holds the OKC record for most points in a single playoff run, passing Kevin Durant (570 in 2012)! pic.twitter.com/3dxvDS8718
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2025

The Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals game was within reach of both teams going into the second half. Both teams cooled off in a slower-paced third quarter. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his side to a 29-20 quarter, thus reclaiming the lead.

Pacers Dominate Final Quarter, Stun Thunder

The Indiana Pacers outdid the OKC Thunder going into the last 12 minutes of the game. Thunder looked fatigued as poor driving and weak paint presence hurt them on both ends. The Pacers outmatched OKC heading into the final 12 minutes with renewed energy.

The defense of the home side was on point as well, giving little room to the OKC Thunder. Indiana sealed the game with a dominant 32-18 fourth quarter, closing out a 116-107 win. OKC’s offensive struggles returned to haunt them in the final stretch.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points with 9-20 from the field. He also had 6 turnovers. While Tyrese Haliburton (22), Pascal Siakam (21), and Bennedict Mathurin (27) had major roles to play in the NBA Finals game three victory on Wednesday.

🏆 GAME 3 FINAL SCORE 🏆

Tyrese Haliburton leads a late @Pacers charge at home to take a 2-1 series lead!

Mathurin: 27 PTS (playoff career high), 9-12 FGM
Siakam: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
McConnell: 10 PTS, 5 AST, 5 STL
SGA: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 3 BLK

Game 4: Fri., 8:30pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/dABbdKOkRR
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2025

WNBA star Caitlin Clark was also in attendance for the Game 3 supporting the Indiana Pacers. She has proven to be a lucky charm for the Pacers as in her presence, they have managed to win all the games so far. With Clark in the arena, the Pacers have an impressive 8-0 record.