Indianapolis has waited a quarter-century for this moment, and the Indiana Pacers delivered in spectacular fashion, securing their first NBA Finals game victory in 25 years with a thrilling 116-107 triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.1 The victory not only sent the raucous home crowd into a frenzy but also gave the Pacers a crucial 2-1 series lead, shifting momentum firmly in their favor in this highly anticipated championship clash.
The atmosphere in Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, palpable with the anticipation of a city that had yearned for NBA Finals basketball for so long. It was the first time the Finals had returned to Indianapolis since the 2000 series against the Los Angeles Lakers, a series that ultimately ended in disappointment for the Pacers. This time, however, there was a different feeling, a renewed sense of belief in a young, dynamic team that had defied expectations throughout the postseason.
The game itself was a back-and-forth battle for much of the first three quarters, a testament to the resilience and talent of both the Eastern Conference’s 4th seed and the Western Conference’s 1st seed. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by their recently crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, came out strong, with Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort hitting early shots to give them a lead. Holmgren, in particular, was impactful in the first quarter, keeping the Thunder’s offense flowing.
However, the Pacers, known for their explosive bench play and late-game surges, refused to be deterred. They entered the second quarter with an eight-point deficit, but a spark from their reserves quickly erased it. Bennedict Mathurin, the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft, had a sensational outing off the bench, providing an offensive jolt that the Thunder struggled to contain.2 Mathurin poured in 14 first-half points, showcasing his scoring versatility and fearless approach. T.J. McConnell, the “Floor General,” also had a major impact, controlling the pace, dishing out assists, and hounding the Thunder with his relentless defense, racking up steals that led to easy transition buckets.3 By halftime, the Pacers had not only erased the deficit but took a 64-60 lead, largely due to their bench outscoring Oklahoma City’s reserves by a staggering 30-11 margin in the first half alone.
The third quarter saw the Thunder reclaim the lead with an 8-0 run to start the half, as Gilgeous-Alexander began to find his rhythm after a relatively quiet first half. He finished the game with 24 points, a good output but significantly lower than his 36 and 34 points in Games 1 and 2, respectively. The Pacers’ defense, which forced the Thunder into 19 turnovers leading to 21 points for Indiana, was a key factor in limiting OKC’s usually potent offense.
But the defining moment of the game, and perhaps a turning point in the series, came in the fourth quarter. With just six minutes left on the clock, the Thunder held a slim one-point lead. It was at this juncture that the Pacers unleashed their signature late-game blitz. An emphatic put-back dunk by Obi Toppin ignited the crowd and seemed to inject a new level of energy into the Pacers. From that point, Indiana went on a decisive scoring burst, outscoring the Thunder 32-18 in the final frame. The lead quickly ballooned to seven points, and the tone of the game shifted dramatically. Oklahoma City, who had been praised for their league-leading defense, found themselves on the receiving end of Indiana’s relentless attack, struggling to find answers.
Individual performances were standout for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton, who had faced criticism for a quieter Game 2 and entered Game 3 with injury concerns, delivered a complete performance.4 He finished just one rebound shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists.5 His playmaking and clutch decision-making were vital down the stretch. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, providing consistent offense and veteran poise.6 But it was Bennedict Mathurin who stole the show, leading all scorers with a game-high 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench, shooting an incredibly efficient 9-for-12 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.7 His performance put him in elite company, joining only Jason Terry (2011) and Manu Ginobili (2005) as players in this century to score 25+ points off the bench in an NBA Finals game. Notably, both Mathurin and Terry played under Coach Rick Carlisle, a testament to his ability to maximize bench production in the biggest moments. T.J. McConnell’s 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals further solidified the bench’s dominance.8
The win marked the Pacers’ first home victory in the NBA Finals since the 2000 series, and the euphoria in Gainbridge Fieldhouse at the final buzzer was a sight to behold. Fans, who had waited so patiently, celebrated with a fervor that reflected the significance of the moment. The victory not only gives the Pacers a 2-1 series lead but also places them in a strong historical position: when a championship series is tied at 1-1, the team that wins Game 3 goes on to win the title approximately 80% of the time.
As the series moves to Game 4 on Friday, also in Indianapolis, the Pacers will aim to take a commanding 3-1 lead, putting themselves just two wins away from their first-ever NBA championship. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, a young and talented team, the challenge now is to respond decisively and avoid falling into a nearly insurmountable deficit. But for now, the city of Indianapolis is basking in the glow of a momentous victory, celebrating a team that embodies resilience, teamwork, and the joy of high-stakes basketball. After 25 years, the NBA Finals is truly back in Indy, and the Pacers are making it count.
