Thunder Edge Pacers in Game 3 of 2025 NBA Finals

Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals lived up to the hype, as the Oklahoma City Thunder took command of the series with a thrilling win over the Indiana Pacers. Playing in front of a roaring home crowd, the Thunder showed maturity, poise, and elite execution in key moments to earn a 2-1 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he’s considered one of the league’s brightest stars, finishing with 34 points, including a string of clutch baskets in the fourth quarter that helped close the game. Chet Holmgren held down the paint with six blocks and 12 rebounds, anchoring a defense that limited Indiana’s shot quality in the second half. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams played a crucial two-way role, scoring 18 points and forcing multiple turnovers that shifted the game’s momentum. The Indiana Pacers, who came into Game 3 hoping to rebound after a split in Oklahoma, couldn’t maintain their early rhythm. Tyrese Haliburton had another strong showing with 27 points and 11 assists, but the supporting cast failed to step up when it mattered most. Benedict Mathurin showed flashes of brilliance with explosive drives and perimeter shooting, but a late scoring drought in the fourth quarter proved costly.

Indiana’s defense struggled to contain the Thunder’s ball movement and depth, as OKC’s bench contributed timely buckets to stretch the lead. A key moment came midway through the fourth, when the Thunder went on a 12-2 run sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Isaiah Joe, swinging the momentum decisively in their favor. From a broader perspective, Game 3 showed how much the Thunder have grown throughout the season — both mentally and tactically. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s strategy to slow down Indiana’s transition game worked to perfection. Oklahoma City forced Indiana into half-court sets where they struggled to find open looks. The Thunder’s ability to execute under pressure, maintain composure, and make smart defensive switches demonstrated a level of playoff maturity rarely seen in such a young squad. This game could very well be the turning point in the series. With OKC now leading 2-1, the pressure squarely shifts onto the Pacers, who must regroup quickly if they want to avoid going down 3-1 — a deficit that history tells us is extremely difficult to overcome. As Game 4 looms, fans and analysts alike are beginning to wonder if this is the year Oklahoma City makes history. Their combination of youth, discipline, and rising star power is creating a storm in the NBA Finals — and unless the Pacers find a way to adapt and respond, that storm may just sweep them aside.