Indiana’s Bench Erupts, Carries Them to a 2-1 Lead in NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers improved their 2025 postseason home record to 7-2 with a 116-107 win in Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals to take a 2-1 series lead. Sparked by key contributions from Benedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell, Indiana’s bench proved decisive, outscoring Oklahoma City’s bench 49-18. Reigning regular-season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his worst performance of these Finals, totaling just 24 points on nine-of-20 shooting along with a playoff career-high six turnovers. Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton silenced critics with a strong Game Three outing with 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists.
After a Slow Start, Indiana Finds Their Spark in the First Half
The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the game as the aggressors, jumping out to an early 15-6 lead. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren fired on all cylinders, contributing 12 of the team's first 15 points. Indiana answered with a 14-7 run of their own to cut the lead to 22-20, with Tyrese Haliburton contributing five points and three assists during that stretch. However, a 10-4 run to enter the second quarter gave OKC a 32-24 lead. T.J. McConnell led the Indiana surge, having two points and four assists in the first 4:43 of the second quarter. Indiana continued their run to build a 49-42 lead midway through the period. Jalen Williams and SGA would rebound to keep the Thunder within striking distance, trailing just 64-60 at the break. Indiana’s bench scored 30 of their 64 points, with Benedict Mathurin’s 14 points leading the way.
Indiana Weather the Storm and Control Fourth Quarter
Oklahoma City opened the second half on a 8-0 run with six points coming from Jalen Williams to give them a 68-64 lead. Throughout a back-and-forth third quarter, the two teams found themselves tied at 83 with 2:01 remaining in the third. OKC finished the quarter on a 6-1 run to enter the final quarter with a five-point lead. Tyrese Haliburton capped off a strong third quarter with seven points and had 19 of his 22 in the first three quarters. Despite his quiet fourth quarter, Indiana would have a strong period, scoring 32 points. Indiana’s bench, led by Benedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell, gave them a 98-96 lead with 8:02 remaining before the starters would see out the remainder of the game. Indiana would never trail down the stretch with six different players scoring in the final 6:42 to hold off OKC. Mathurin finished with a playoff career-high 27, followed by Haliburton with 22 and Pascal Siakam with 21.
Can the Thunder Recover from This Crucial Loss?
The team that wins Game Three when tied at 1-1 goes on to win the series 73% of the time. Despite this, OKC is no stranger to 2-1 comebacks this postseason. In their second round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, they lost Game One at home and Game Three on the road to fall down 2-1, although winning the series in seven games. Certainly, the Thunder need to win in Indiana to keep their title hopes alive and regain control of the series. With Indiana holding their serve at home, Game Four at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night will serve as an opportunity for the Pacers to take full control of the series.
