Pacers Stun Thunder in Game 3, Grab Series Lead in NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers sent a message Wednesday night—they’re not just in the NBA Finals, they’re playing to win the whole thing.

Behind a breakout performance from Bennedict Mathurin, who dropped 27 off the bench, and a command performance by Tyrese Haliburton with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 boards, the Pacers held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana’s bench was the difference-maker, outscoring OKC’s reserves 49-18 and owning the final quarter with a 32-18 edge to secure the win. Veteran Pascal Siakam added 21 for the blue and gold, and TJ McConnell made history with 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals—the first player to post that line off the bench in an NBA Finals game.

With Indiana now leading the series 2-1, history is on their side—teams that win Game 3 of a tied Finals go on to win the championship more than 80% of the time. Game 4 tips Friday night back in Indianapolis, where the home crowd is proving to be a sixth man in this series.

Advantage: Pacers.