The NBA Finals continued to thrill basketball fans as the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a 116-107 victory in Game 3. With this win, the Pacers pulled ahead in the best-of-seven series, leading 2-1.
The standout performer of the night was Tyrese Haliburton, who showcased his versatility with an impressive stat line of 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance marked an extraordinary milestone for Haliburton, as he became only the third player in Finals history, joining legends Nikola Jokić and LeBron James, to achieve at least 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists while shooting above 50% from the field and beyond the arc. His consistent excellence has underscored the Pacers’ success this season—of the 21 games where Haliburton has scored 20+ points and dished out 10+ assists, the team has won 20, reflecting his pivotal role in their postseason journey.
Statistically enriching this game further, Haliburton joined an elite club, alongside Magic Johnson, Russell Westbrook, and Luka Dončić, as one of the very few players to record 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists in a Finals match before reaching the age of 26. His indispensable presence on the court has been instrumental in shaping the Pacers’ dynamic offense.
Another player making headlines was Bennedict Mathurin, who achieved a playoff career-high with 27 points in just over 22 minutes of play. Mathurin has now become the youngest player to score 25 points or more in a Finals game since Kawhi Leonard did it in 2014. Remarkably, he also holds the record for the youngest player in Finals history to achieve such a feat off the bench since record-keeping began. His 27 points rank as the third-highest total from a bench player in Finals history post-1970, reflecting his ability to change the game’s momentum rapidly and effectively.
Additionally, Mathurin made history concerning efficiency, as he became the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 25+ points while shooting at least 75% from the field in the Finals, trailing only Kawhi Leonard. This is a testament to Mathurin’s burgeoning talent and worth on the team, proving that the Pacers have a bright future ahead.
Moreover, Pascal Siakam added to the Pacers’ scoring with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while T.J. McConnell contributed with 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals, making him the first player since 1973-74 to achieve such a stat line off the bench in a Finals game. The Pacers’ defensive effort showcased their dominance, particularly in the second and fourth quarters, where they outscored the Thunder 72-46.
For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a notable player, finishing the game with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. He made history by surpassing Kevin Durant for the most points scored in a single playoff run in Thunder franchise history. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, alongside teammates Jalen Williams (26 points) and Chet Holmgren (20 points), also marked a significant moment as they became the fifth trio of teammates aged 26 or younger to score 20+ points in a Finals game. This achievement reflects the Thunder’s youthful talent and potential for future success.
The intensity of the game was palpable, and the Pacers’ defensive strategy appeared to stifle the Thunder’s momentum on several occasions. With the Pacers claiming victory as they backed their play with historic performances, the series has set the stage for an exciting Game 4.
As the Pacers go into Game 4 with a 2-1 series advantage, they will aim to capitalize on their momentum and extend their lead. The stakes will undoubtedly be high as they face off against the Thunder once again, with fans eagerly anticipating the live broadcast on ABC from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The narrative surrounding the Pacers continuously reinforces their resilience and fortitude, showcasing not just individual talent but cohesive teamwork. It’s an exhilarating time for basketball enthusiasts, and both teams are more than prepared to fight for the coveted trophy. As the Finals unfold, one can only wonder how this series will continue to develop, making every game a must-watch event in the world of sports.
