Indiana Pacers defeat OKC Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the 2025 Finals. Bennedict Mathurin & T.J. McConnell's historic bench play gives Indy a 2-1 lead.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The city of Indianapolis is electric, and for good reason. The Indiana Pacers are just two wins away from their first-ever NBA championship, holding a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. But inside the locker room, the celebration is on hold. Following a gritty 116-107 Game 3 victory, the team's mantra is one of intense focus, a mindset personified by their leader, Tyrese Haliburton, as they head into a pivotal Game 4 tonight on their home court.
There’s nothing to get excited about right now. We’re still a long way away.
Game 3 will be remembered for the fourth-quarter eruption of the Pacers' second unit. Trailing by five entering the final frame, Indiana's reserves didn't just close the gap; they blew the game wide open, outscoring the Thunder's bench 49-18. Bennedict Mathurin was a flamethrower, pouring in 27 points in just 22 minutes. 'The main thing is you have to be resilient,' Mathurin said postgame. 'You have to be the aggressor in order to win games.' He was backed by the relentless hustle of T.J. McConnell, who delivered a stat line for the ages: 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in 15 minutes, becoming the first reserve in NBA Finals history to hit those marks in a single game. It was a championship-level performance from the guys who are supposed to be role players.
Despite the thrilling comeback and the 2-1 series lead, you won't find any premature victory laps from this Pacers squad. The team has adopted an even-keeled, almost stoic approach, led by Tyrese Haliburton. His postgame message set the tone for the entire organization: 'There’s nothing to get excited about right now. We’re still a long way away.' This isn't arrogance; it's the disciplined focus of a team that understands the job isn't done. They know the Thunder are a formidable opponent who will come out firing in Game 4, and the Pacers are determined to meet that intensity without getting lost in the hype.
While the bench stole the show in Game 3, Indiana's success in these playoffs has been a total team effort. The foundational pieces are performing exactly as needed. Pascal Siakam continues to be the team's offensive engine, leading them in postseason scoring (20.2 PPG) and rebounding (6.9 RPG). Myles Turner is the defensive anchor, averaging a formidable 2.0 blocks per game and protecting the rim. And orchestrating it all is Haliburton, whose court vision has him averaging 9.2 assists to go along with 1.4 steals. This balanced attack, where any player can step up on any given night, is what makes the Pacers so dangerous and has them on the cusp of a title.
All eyes now turn to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for tonight's crucial Game 4. With no significant injuries reported, the Pacers are at full strength and have a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. A win tonight puts them just one victory away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The key will be to replicate the resilience and aggression that defined their Game 3 comeback. The crowd will be roaring, the pressure will be immense, and the Pacers will need to lean on their disciplined mindset to push the Thunder to the brink.
Two wins. That's all that separates this Indiana Pacers team from basketball immortality. The journey has been defined by resilience, depth, and a singular focus. Tonight, in front of their home fans, they have a chance to take another giant leap toward that ultimate goal. The job isn't finished, but the finish line is in sight.
