The Indiana Pacers have seized a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals after a resounding 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3. Playing on their home court for the first time in a Finals game in 25 years, the Pacers showcased a balanced attack and stifling defense, leaving the Thunder searching for answers. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with a stellar performance, but it was a collective effort that propelled Indiana to victory.
Haliburton, after facing criticism for a quieter Game 2, bounced back in emphatic fashion. He orchestrated the Pacers' offense with precision, scoring 22 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing nine rebounds. His ability to control the tempo and make timely plays proved crucial, especially during the Pacers' pivotal runs. According to Real Sports, Haliburton is only the 5th player in NBA history to have a Finals game with 20 points, 10 assists, and 0 free throw attempts.
However, the story of the night extended beyond Haliburton's brilliance. Bennedict Mathurin provided an explosive spark off the bench, erupting for a playoff career-high 27 points. His aggressive drives and confident shooting stretched the Thunder's defense and injected energy into the Pacers' lineup. Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points, while T.J. McConnell added 10 points and five steals.
The Pacers' bench proved to be a game-changer, outscoring the Thunder's reserves by a staggering 49-18 margin. McConnell's relentless pressure and knack for steals disrupted Oklahoma City's offensive flow. According to AP's Tim Reynolds, McConnell became the first player to record at least 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals off the bench in an NBA Finals game. Mathurin's scoring outburst further fueled the Pacers' second unit, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
Indiana's defense was equally impressive, forcing 19 turnovers and converting them into 21 points. They swarmed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, limiting the Thunder's star guard to just three points in the fourth quarter. The Pacers' physicality and disruptive presence made it difficult for Oklahoma City to find easy looks and establish a rhythm.
The Thunder's "big three" of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren combined for 70 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Pacers' balanced attack and defensive intensity. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams also committed 10 turnovers. Oklahoma City struggled to contain Indiana's penetration and perimeter shooting, and their bench failed to provide the necessary support.
The Pacers' victory marked their 10th consecutive win following a loss since mid-March, highlighting their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. As Haliburton noted, "We just had guys make plays after plays. Our bench was amazing." Coach Rick Carlisle echoed this sentiment, praising the contributions of Mathurin and McConnell and emphasizing the team's collective effort.
With a 2-1 series lead, the Pacers have put themselves in a strong position to contend for their first NBA title. However, the Thunder are a resilient team, and the series is far from over. Game 4 promises to be another intense battle as Oklahoma City looks to even the series and regain home-court advantage.
