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Before Wednesday night, the 2025 NBA Finals was tied 1–1.After a commanding 116–107 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers now lead this series 2–1, and they did so by exposing real weaknesses in the Oklahoma City Thunder.
OKC’s elite shot creation and defensive depth were proving difficult to counter, while Indiana’s pace, versatility, and ability to knockdown big shots kept them in striking distance. Game 3 in Indianapolis, however, marked a shift not just in scoreline, but in tone, energy, and control.
Tyrese Haliburton entered Game 3under intense scrutiny. His first two performances had been solid but notdominant, and he made it clear postgame that outside opinions didn’t sway him.
“The commentary is always going to be what it is…most of thetime the talking heads on the major platforms—I couldn’t care less, honestly.”
On the court, he backed that up with a near triple-double,22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, and key defensive plays, including forcing a traveling violation by SGA. He credited the bench and the team’s collective awareness:
“What’s so important is the margins. You got to win in the margins.”
Indiana did just that, leaning on contributions from Bennedict Mathurin (27 points off the bench), Obi Toppin, and TJ McConnell.That bench unit outscored OKC’s reserves 49–18.
OKC still had the lead midway through the fourth quarter.But in the final 12 minutes, the wheels came off. The Thunder scored just 18points and turned the ball over repeatedly, finishing with 19 total turnovers .
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been stellar earlier in the series, managed only three shots in the fourth and no assists . He was candid after the game:
“They won all the 50–50 plays…they executed on both ends of the ball.”
Coach Mark Daigneault added:
“They didn’t change their schemes very much. I just thought they were sharper…their physicality was stronger than our force”
Statistically, the collapse was stark. The Thunder shot just 35% in the fourth and saw their lead evaporate.
Absolutely. With that victory, Indiana claimed Game 3 of atied Finals, a turning point with historical significance, teams winning a tied Game 3 have taken home the championship nearly 81% of the time.
Now up 2–1, the Pacers bring both confidence and psychological edge back home. But OKC has been in this position before ( they recovered from down 2–1 in the West semis). Much depends on how they respond in Game 4.
Before Game 3,our To The Baha crew confidently predicted Thunder in 6. Although that forecast has been proven wrong, we now hinge towards a strong response in Game 4. The Thunder must tighten up their ball security, reestablish SGA in late-game moments, and avoid falling into a deeper hole.
OKC’s handling of Indiana’s pressure. Can they cut down on turnovers and inbound chaos?
SGA’s fourth-quarter bounce-back. Will he reassert himself when the game is on the line?
Indiana’s bench energy. Will Mathurin, McConnell, and Toppin maintain their impact?
Mental toughness. At 2–1, how does OKC respond under real Finals pressure?
Game 3 offered a stark reminder that championships aren’t won with talent alone.Execution, composure, and focus, especially from the bench, are just as vital.Indiana showed up mentally prepared; OKC let fundamental errors cost them.
With preparations underway for Game 4 this Friday, everything changes. A Pacers winputs real distance between these teams. A Thunder win reclaims momentum andbelief. Regardless of the outcome, this series is defining itself not by starpower but by resilience, execution, and heart.
P.S Tune in to ‘To The Baha’ every Monday and Thursday for more predictions and epic banter!
