2025 NBA Finals Game Three Showdown: What’s at Stake for Both Teams?

After a dominant 123-107 Game Two victory by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the series shifts to Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the series tied at 1-1, a pivotal Game Three will be played Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC. Following strong Game Two contributions from OKC stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder will need their stars to show up once again as they hope to regain control of the home court. For the Pacers, they will look to improve their 6-2 record at home this postseason and feed off the electric Indiana Pacers fanbase. 

Can the Thunder Ride Their Momentum?

Entering the night as five-and-a-half-point favorites according to ESPN Bet, the Oklahoma City Thunder have outplayed the Indiana Pacers for most of the series, despite finding themselves tied at 1-1. Huge bench contributions from Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso in Game Two proved decisive, and both will look for strong Game Three performances to give the Thunder a 2-1 series lead. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has strengthened his case for the best in the world on the back of another strong performance in Game Two. Averaging 34 points per game in The Finals, Indiana has had no answer for him defensively as he leads OKC’s charge for their first NBA title in franchise history. After a poor Game One, Chet Holmgren posed serious problems for Indiana’s defense in Game Two, and OKC’s forward will need another big performance in Game Three.

How Important is Game Three for Indiana?

While Game Three is a pivotal game for both teams, Indiana’s title may be determined by the outcome of Game Three. Desperate to halt OKC’s growing momentum, the Pacers will need their star guard Tyrese Haliburton to improve from his lackluster Game Two. Scoring just five points through the first three quarters, Indiana’s success in these playoffs has largely depended upon Halliburton's early aggressiveness. Likewise, Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith will need to amend their quiet Game Two outputs by feeding off the home crowd and help get Indiana off to a fast start in Game Three. A Game Three loss to put them down 1-2 in the series would be costly and put OKC on the doorstep of being crowned 2025 NBA Champions.

High Stakes in Indy Ahead of Game Three Battle

In the NBA Playoffs, when the series is tied at 1-1, the winner of Game Three goes on to win the series 73.3% of the time. The Indiana Pacers have not fared well in Game Threes this postseason, posting a 0-3 record in those games. The Oklahoma City Thunder will hope to add a win to their 4-3 record this postseason and regain home-court advantage. With history favoring the Game Three winner, Wednesday night could prove decisive in determining who will lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.