The Thunder vs Pacers matchup in Game 3 of the NBA Finals 2025 delivered a spectacular performance by the Oklahoma City Thunder as they cruised to a commanding 126-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With this win, the Thunder take a 2-1 lead in the series and show no signs of slowing down.
Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Bright
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with a game-high 34 points, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. His shot selection, mid-range precision, and leadership elevated Oklahoma City's offense, setting the tone early. This thunder vs pacers duel showcased SGA’s MVP-level performance once again.
Balanced Thunder Attack
The Thunder weren’t just a one-man show. Chet Holmgren added 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showing his two-way potential. Jalen Williams chipped in with 19 points, and Isaiah Joe came off the bench with a hot hand, hitting five threes and finishing with 15 points.
OKC’s offense flowed smoothly, shooting 51.6% from the field and 43.2% from deep, while also converting 27 assists on 48 field goals. Their ball movement was crisp, and their defensive rotations limited Indiana's second chances.
Pacers Struggle Despite Haliburton’s Effort
The Pacers had bright spots, but they struggled to contain OKC’s firepower. Tyrese Haliburton tried to keep Indiana alive with 25 points and 10 assists, but their defense allowed too many open looks. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner combined for 30 points, but were outplayed on both ends.
The thunder vs pacers matchup highlighted a clear gap in depth and execution, especially in the second half when the Pacers allowed a 38-point third quarter.
Key Game Stats
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Points in the Paint: Thunder 48, Pacers 40
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3-PT FG%: Thunder 43.2%, Pacers 33.3%
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Turnovers: Thunder 10, Pacers 13
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Fast Break Points: Thunder 17, Pacers 9
Thunder vs Pacers: What’s Next?
With Game 4 around the corner, the Pacers must regroup and tighten their defense. They’ll need more production from their bench and a better performance in transition to stay competitive. For OKC, maintaining this momentum and depth of scoring will be key to closing out the series.
The thunder vs pacers series has evolved into a thrilling battle, but Oklahoma City now holds the upper hand heading into the next game in Indianapolis.
