Indiana Pacers Take 2-1 NBA Finals Lead After Strong Late Performance Against Oklahoma City Thunder
In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers did not require one of their trademark comebacks to secure a victory, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107. This win not only gave the Pacers a vital 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, but it also put pressure on the Thunder, who were once favored to win the championship and will now need to rally to stay in contention. The Pacers displayed a remarkable fourth quarter performance, showcasing their best defense of the series while forcing the Thunder into errors.
Oklahoma City struggled significantly, scoring just 18 points in the final quarter and making only six of 17 shot attempts. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s MVP, was held to a mere 1-of-3 shooting during this period, largely due to the relentless defense of Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. Indiana’s success was aided by Tyrese Haliburton, who posted 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds.
However, the true standout of the game was reserve player Bennedict Mathurin. Despite not playing in the first quarter, Mathurin exploded for 27 points in just 22 minutes, marking the highest-scoring performance by a reserve in the Finals since 2011. The Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s 49-18, a critical factor in their victory.
At halftime, the Pacers held a narrow 64-60 lead, displaying an aggressive offensive strategy that included 17 fast-break points. The contributions from Indiana’s bench, especially from TJ McConnell and Mathurin, energized the team and gave them a distinct advantage. Despite a troubling end to the third quarter, where they scored only five points in the last five minutes, the Pacers recovered in the fourth.
The Thunder, despite their youth, exhibited resilience, with All-Star Jalen Williams assisting in keeping the game competitive. However, crucial breakdowns, such as failing to box out on offensive rebounds, allowed the Pacers to maintain and extend their lead. The Thunder now face a tough challenge, drawing on their previous playoff experience to bounce back in Game 4.