The Indiana Pacers seized momentum in the NBA Finals with a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, electrifying their home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win gives Indiana a 2-1 series edge, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 4.
Oklahoma City started strong, with rookie Chet Holmgren dominating early by scoring 13 points in the first quarter. The Thunder's sharp three-point shooting gave them a 32-24 lead, but the Pacers' bench flipped the script in the second quarter. Bennedict Mathurin exploded for 14 points off the bench, while T.J. McConnell's three steals ignited Indiana's defense. A 40-28 quarter run put the Pacers ahead 64-60 at halftime—a lead they never relinquished.
Indiana's depth proved decisive, outscoring Oklahoma City's reserves 46-29. The Thunder, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 28-point effort, struggled to contain the Pacers' balanced attack in the second half. With the series shifting back to Oklahoma City for Game 4, both teams face mounting pressure to adjust their strategies.
