Series Tied 1-1 | Game 3: June 12 in Indianapolis

Overview

The 2025 NBA Finals is currently tied 1-1, setting up a crucial Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 12. The Pacers shocked the Thunder in Game 1 with a game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton (111-110), but the Thunder stormed back in Game 2 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points and 48 total bench points to win convincingly, 123-107.

This marks the first NBA Finals game held in Indiana since 2000, making it a high-stakes, emotionally charged matchup.

Key Matchups

Tyrese Haliburton vs. Thunder Defense
Haliburton struggled in Game 2, committing 5 turnovers under heavy pressure from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. OKC’s defensive scheme has limited Haliburton to just 12 PPG in the series. The Pacers need Haliburton to be more aggressive and efficient if they hope to reclaim the lead.

Bench Battle
The Thunder’s bench dominated Game 2, outscoring the Pacers 48-34. Andrew Wiggins (18 pts) and Caruso (20 pts) were key contributors. The Pacers will need Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell to provide a stronger spark off the bench.

Turnover Margin
Oklahoma City leads the playoffs with a +6.4 turnover margin and converts those into fast-break points. Indiana must limit mistakes and move the ball quickly (364 passes per 24 minutes – 1st in playoffs) to neutralize OKC’s defense.

Team Comparison

TeamRegular SeasonPlayoff PPGDef. Efficiency3PT %Key Players
Oklahoma City Thunder68-14 (1st West)115.9 (3rd)104.7 (1st)33.6%S. Gilgeous-Alexander, C. Holmgren, J. Williams
Indiana Pacers50-32 (4th East)117.7 (2nd)-40.1% (1st)T. Haliburton, P. Siakam, M. Turner

Game 3 Strategies

For the Pacers:

  • Extend starters' minutes: Pacers fell behind when the bench took over in Game 2. Expect Carlisle to increase minutes for Haliburton and Turner.

  • Attack the paint: OKC ranks 26th in opponent free throw rate. Drawing fouls will be key.

  • Regain 3PT form: Indiana shot only 35% from deep in Game 2, well below their playoff average.

For the Thunder:

  • Maintain defensive intensity: Continue pressuring Haliburton and forcing turnovers.

  • Maximize bench depth: Their deep rotation could wear down Indiana’s starters.

  • Improve 3PT shooting: Their 33.6% postseason average needs to trend upward to match Indiana’s firepower.

Home-Court Factor

Game 3 will be played in front of a raucous Indiana crowd, giving the Pacers a significant emotional and momentum boost. Indiana has been elite in clutch-time playoff scenarios (7-1 record), and this home-court edge could play a big role.

Stat Highlights

  • Thunder defense: Best in playoffs (104.7 DRTG), 17.7% turnover rate forced.

  • Pacers offense: #1 in 3PT% (40.1), averaging 9 fast-break points per game.

  • Rebounding: Thunder edged Indiana in offensive boards in Game 2, creating key second-chance points.

Prediction: Thunder 115, Pacers 108

Expect a tightly contested game with several momentum swings. Indiana will feed off the crowd and fight hard, but OKC’s elite defense and bench depth will prove too much in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-level performance to lead the Thunder to a 2-1 series lead.

Why the Thunder Will Win

  • Lockdown defense on Haliburton

  • Superior bench contributions (48-34 in Game 2)

  • SGA’s consistent scoring (30+ points per game)

Why the Pacers Could Win

  • Home crowd energy

  • Best 3-point shooting team in the playoffs

  • Clutch-time poise (7-1 record)