Pacers Surge Ahead in Finals with Game 3 Victory Over Thunder

In a nail-biting Game 3 showdown, the Indiana Pacers edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a 116-107 victory to gain a 2-1 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals. This pivotal win marked the Pacers’ first home game of the series, where they showcased their resilience with powerful performances in both the second and fourth quarters, ultimately overcoming a closely contested match.

Bennedict Mathurin was a standout for the Pacers, coming off the bench to score an impressive 27 points in just 22 minutes of play. His dynamic scoring ability proved crucial in turning the tide for Indiana, as they capitalized on their home court advantage. The Pacers’ ability to execute under pressure was evident, especially given the back-and-forth nature of the game, which kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The atmosphere in Indianapolis was electric, with fans rallying behind their team, eager to witness a potential championship run for the first time since 2000. The Pacers have already demonstrated their tenacity this postseason, having staged remarkable comebacks to reach this point, including a thrilling six-game series against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.

Meanwhile, the Thunder, who entered the series with a formidable 68-14 regular season record and a 12-5 mark in the playoffs, were looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the league, last reached during their finals appearance in 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic Thunder guard, is aiming to make history by capturing both the MVP award and an NBA Championship in the same season—a feat not achieved since Stephen Curry accomplished it in 2015, as noted by CBS Sports.

As attention turns to Game 4, scheduled for Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET, both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies. The Thunder will need to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed the Pacers to flourish in critical moments. Conversely, the Pacers will aim to build on their momentum and capitalize on their newfound lead in the series.

The upcoming clash promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams understanding the high stakes involved. A victory for the Pacers would put them one step closer to lifting the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, while the Thunder will be eager to even the series and regain control of the championship narrative.

As reported by CBS Sports, the intensity of the finals has only increased with each game, and the anticipation for Game 4 is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see which team will seize the moment and take a decisive step forward in this thrilling championship battle.