In Game 3 of the championship finals at 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Pacers returned home and defeated the Thunder 116-107, successfully adjusting the series score to 2-1. In this match, the Pacers controlled the pace of the game, with point guard Tyrese Haliburton shining brightly, contributing 22 points and 11 assists while effectively limiting the Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, securing a crucial victory for the Pacers.
In the face of crucial circumstances, the team showcased their chemistry in basketball, no longer getting stuck as they did in the previous two games. In the second quarter, the team’s offense surged like a tidal wave, racking up 40 points, with the bench players contributing 22 points and demonstrating the team’s deep strength, successfully taking the lead over their opponents.
In the early stages of the third quarter, even though the Thunder attempted to turn the score around, the Pacers continued to stay close thanks to the defensive advantage and offensive support from their bench players. As the game entered the fourth quarter, the Thunder’s energy began to wane, leading to frequent turnovers. The Pacers seized this opportunity, opening up a margin in the final four minutes to secure their victory.
Haliburton’s growth is clearly on display, as he sank two three-pointers in the first half and finished the game with impressive stats of 22 points and 11 assists—exactly the kind of performance Coach Rick Carlisle was hoping for. Throughout the game, the Pacers showcased their defensive prowess, tallying up 13 steals and 11 blocks, while the Thunder struggled with 17 turnovers, which directly impacted their performance.
Moreover, Pascoal Siakam consistently scored 21 points amidst the defensive blockade in Oklahoma City, while Myles Turner’s outstanding performance in the paint showcased his immense prowess as a two-time blocks champion, delivering 5 blocks. At the same time, T.J. McConnell’s miraculous steals in critical moments also boosted the team’s confidence significantly.
Another standout player is Bennedict Mathurin, who has demonstrated incredible explosiveness on both offense and defense, especially in his dazzling performance against Isaiah Joe. He scored a personal playoff high of 27 points, becoming the Pacers’ go-to source of firepower in critical moments.
To counter SGA’s offense, the Pacers stuck to a high-pressure defense strategy that limited his driving options, forcing him to opt for less effective mid-range shots. The defensive efforts of Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith successfully stifled SGA’s scoring, leaving him with just 24 points in this game.
Thunder’s interior player, Chet Holmgren, showcased solid adaptability in the first quarter. However, his offensive efficiency dipped afterward, and the partnership with Isaiah Hartenstein didn’t yield the expected results. Head coach Mark Daigneault needs to enhance the team’s responsive strategies for inside attacks.
The success of the roller horses isn’t just attributed to their glamorous lineup; it also comes from their agile use of opponents’ mistakes and their ability to adjust defensively. The upcoming matches promise to be a thrilling showdown.
