🏀 Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — Game 3 Recap (NBA Finals)

Final Score: Pacers 116 – Thunder 107

Series: Indiana leads 2–1

🔥 Turning the Tide in Indianapolis

Indiana took command in Game 3, hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse—their first Finals game at home since 2000. With a powerful 4th-quarter surge, they secured a 116–107 win to grab a 2–1 lead in the series.

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🌟 Standout Performers

• Bennedict Mathurin (IND) – 27 points off the bench, becoming the first reserve to score 25+ in a Finals game since Jason Terry in 2011 (reddit.com, talksport.com).

• Tyrese Haliburton (IND) – Near triple‑double with 22 pts, 11 ast, 9 reb; nailed a clutch step‑back 3 in the 4th quarter .

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) – 24–29 points, but slowed down by late-game turnovers and fatigue (washingtonpost.com).

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🧠 Key Strategic Insights

✅ Pacers’ Recipe for Success

• Deep bench: 49–18 advantage helped build separation (apnews.com).

• Possession control: Only 11 turnovers compared to OKC’s 19, leading to 21 points off turnovers (washingtonpost.com).

• Strong finish: Dominated the 4th quarter 32–18 to close out the win .

⚠️ Thunder’s Setbacks

• Unforced turnovers: Sloppy play late cost them momentum.

• Bench collapse: Non-starters managed just 18 combined points.

• Lack of ball movement: OKC's offense became stagnant late, letting Indiana pull away (apnews.com).

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🎯 Clutch Moments

With 3:22 left and the game tied, Haliburton’s step‑back 3 ignited a decisive 13–5 run. Indiana's defense then locked down Oklahoma City, sealing the victory.

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🔮 What It Means for the Series

• Indiana now controls the series at 2–1.

• Historical trends show teams leading 2–1 after Game 3 go on to win ~80% of the time (apnews.com).

• OKC will need to bounce back in Game 4 to avoid a potentially dangerous deficit (apnews.com).

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📺 Watch the Highlights

Here’s a highlight reel from Game 3:

1 THUNDER at #4 PACERS | NBA FINALS GAME 3 HIGHLIGHTS (Oklahoma City @ Indiana)