The Indiana Pacers pulled off a resilient victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder to get their first NBA Finals win in Indiana after 25 years. In Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they won the game 116-107. They completed a 20-9 run from when the game was tied at 98-98 with a little over seven minutes left on the clock.
Tyrese Haliburton fell one rebound short of a 22-point triple-double in Game 3. Following the win, Haliburton spoke to Jorge Sedano of ESPN and reflected on their performance in the game. The reporter asked him how they locked down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the game.
“Trying to make it as tough as you can. He’s such a tough cover, trying to show him multiple bodies, trying to show help, doing the best we can.”
Following this, he went on the post-game show with the NBA TV crew and spoke about the Pacers’ defensive struggles as well, which addressed how they learned from Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I thought we just did a great job of showing hands, showing bodies. First half, we were rough, but I thought we did a great job of just adjusting as the game went on. The way that they play, with Shai getting downhill all the time, you really got to show gaps, you really got to present yourself be in to out. If we’re spread out and give him that space, he’s the best in the world at taking advantage of those double gaps, so we’ve got to do a great job of just corralling, staying in.”
Haliburton then pointed out young players who did well in defending the MVP.
“Andrew Nembhard was great on him today, I thought Ben Sheppard’s minutes were great on him today, but I thought we just did a great job collectively of being in and out. Now we gave up a couple of Lu Dort swing-swing threes, guys made some shots from the outside, but I think that’s got to be the emphasis when you guard these guys. You’ve got to be in to out; if you’re spread out, that’s what they want. They want double gaps so they can drive, get fouls, all those things, and get downhill, so we’ve got to do a great job of presenting ourselves.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to have an off-night today. The league MVP scored below 30 points for the first time since Game 3 of the Timberwolves series, ending a four-game streak. He finished the game with 24 points and 8 rebounds, scoring 45% from the field (9 of 20) and 33.33% from three-point range (1 of 3).
The Pacers are 11 points per 100 possessions better on defense when Pascal Siakam is on the floor. Ranks in the 99th percentile.
Watch him guard SGA on this crucial possession. Wow. pic.twitter.com/CqEqcVV41i
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) June 12, 2025
More than their offense, the Pacers’ defense in the clutch moments won them this game. Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin pulled off some crucial stops in the final stretch that ensured the Pacers took their biggest lead in the last three minutes of the game.
MYLES TURNER SHUTS DOWN CHET IN THE CLUTCH 🚫 pic.twitter.com/Qcl5PUDonD
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 12, 2025
It seemed like everything was falling into place for the Pacers to take Game 3. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s relative struggles, Jalen Williams missed some important free throws down the stretch. His 7 of 11 shooting from the free-throw line will be the only asterisk on what could’ve been a brilliant offensive outing for Williams. He finished the game with 26 points for the Thunder.
The X-factors for the Pacers were Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell off the bench. Mathurin scored 27 points to lead all scorers for the Pacers; meanwhile, McConnell recorded five steals to constantly disrupt the Thunder’s offensive schemes. The Pacers are now only two wins away from their first NBA championship. If they continue playing like this, they are destined to get that Larry O’Brien Trophy this season.
