The Indiana Pacers secured a crucial 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With this win, the Pacers now lead the series 2-1.
Despite playing on the road, the Thunder started strong. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren dominated the first quarter, shooting 4-for-5 from the field and racking up 13 points along with four rebounds. Oklahoma City’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc helped them end the quarter ahead at 32-24.
However, the Pacers’ bench players turned the tide in the second quarter. Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to score an impressive 14 points, hitting five of his six shots. T.J. McConnell’s defensive prowess shone through with three steals, boosting Indiana’s momentum. The Pacers outscored the Thunder 40-28 in this quarter, taking a 64-60 lead into halftime.
The Thunder fought back in the third quarter, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams each adding nine points. Oklahoma City’s defense tightened, limiting Indiana’s success from the three-point line and regaining the lead at 89-84 by the end of the quarter.
In the final quarter, the Pacers upped their defensive game, making it tough for Gilgeous-Alexander to drive to the basket. He was held to just three points in the period. Without significant contributions from Williams or Alex Caruso, the Thunder struggled offensively, making only six of 17 shots and scoring 18 points.
Conversely, the Pacers found their rhythm, shooting 13-for-21 from the field and outscoring the Thunder 32-18 in the fourth quarter. Mathurin continued his stellar performance, adding 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers. He finished the game with a team-high 27 points off the bench.
McConnell ended the night with 10 points, five assists, and five steals, while Tyrese Haliburton was just one rebound shy of a triple-double, recording 22 points and 11 assists. Myles Turner contributed defensively with five blocks.
The Thunder’s trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren combined for 70 points but couldn’t secure the win. Indiana will look to extend its series lead when it hosts Game 4 on Friday.
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Pacers regain upper hand in NBA Finals after beating Thunder in Game 3
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