The Indiana Pacers have taken a crucial 2-1 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals, thanks to a stellar performance by their bench and standout efforts from Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. On Wednesday night in Game 3, the Pacers outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 116-107 victory in front of an electrified home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bennedict Mathurin Ignites Pacers Off the Bench
Bennedict Mathurin, who came off the bench, was the surprise hero of the night, dropping 27 points with incredible efficiency. His energy and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor gave the Pacers the lift they needed to overcome a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
Mathurin’s scoring explosion played a major role in Indiana’s massive 49-18 bench scoring advantage, a margin that proved to be the game’s deciding factor.
Haliburton Flirts with Triple-Double
Tyrese Haliburton was again the engine of Indiana’s offense. He scored 22 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds, nearly securing a triple-double. More importantly, his leadership and clutch decision-making helped the Pacers maintain poise in the closing minutes when the Thunder threatened to rally.
So many different guys chipped in, Haliburton said postgame. That’s what makes us dangerous — it’s not just one guy. We play for each other.
Siakam, Bench Shine as Pacers Respond Strong
Pascal Siakam added 21 points, providing key buckets during a third-quarter run that kept the Thunder from pulling away. As has been the case all postseason, Indiana showcased its resilience. Since mid-March, the Pacers are now 10-0 following a loss, showing an uncanny ability to bounce back under pressure.
Their Game 3 win was especially important, not just for the scoreboard, but for the series outlook. Historically, in 41 NBA Finals series that were tied 1-1, the team that won Game 3 went on to win the championship 33 times — that’s an 80.5% success rate. The odds, and momentum, are now in Indiana’s favor.
Thunder’s Strong Start Fizzles Late
The Oklahoma City Thunder started strong and entered the fourth quarter with a five-point lead, but faltered in the final 12 minutes. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points, while superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 24. Chet Holmgren, the rising big man, added 20 points, but the Thunder’s bench failed to make an impact, contributing just 18 points compared to Indiana’s 49.
Despite solid individual performances, the Thunder couldn’t keep pace down the stretch. The Pacers outscored them 36-22 in the fourth quarter, driven by Mathurin’s scoring flurry and Haliburton’s floor generalship.
Game 4 Set to Be a Showdown in Indiana
Game 4 will also be played in Indianapolis on Friday night, and it’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in this year’s Finals. If the Pacers win again at home, they’ll take a commanding 3-1 series lead and move one step closer to their first-ever NBA championship.
For the Thunder, Game 4 is a must-win. They’ll need more from their bench and a more balanced effort across the board to regain control of the series.
The Takeaway
The Indiana Pacers have turned the tide in the 2025 NBA Finals with a gritty, team-oriented win in Game 3. With contributions from their starters and one of the deepest benches in the league, the Pacers now sit just two wins away from basketball immortality. Meanwhile, the Thunder must regroup and respond quickly if they hope to reclaim the momentum.
