The Indiana Pacers bounced back in a big way to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.
Tyrese Haliburton led the charge for Indiana with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds—just one rebound shy of a triple-double. He got major support from Bennedict Mathurin, who came off the bench to score a career playoff high of 27 points. The Pacers’ bench was a major difference-maker, outscoring the Thunder's reserves 49-18.
"We just had guys make plays after plays," Haliburton said. "Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench tonight."
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised both Mathurin and TJ McConnell for their energy and focus. McConnell contributed 10 points and five steals in a performance that Carlisle described as filled with “competitive will.” Pascal Siakam also chipped in 21 points for Indiana, who remain unbeaten in games following a loss since March 11.
Despite a strong start from the Thunder, who led 15-6 within the first five minutes and held an eight-point advantage at the end of the first quarter, the Pacers kept responding. The second quarter saw Indiana rally, with McConnell’s free throws and Mathurin’s layup giving them a 46-42 edge. Haliburton’s three-pointer and McConnell’s jumper sent them into halftime up 64-60.
The Thunder opened the second half with an 8-0 run, but Indiana didn’t fold. After several lead changes, Oklahoma City entered the fourth quarter ahead 89-84. However, Haliburton’s three-pointer with 6:42 left gave Indiana the lead for good. Obi Toppin added a key dunk and a block late in the game to help seal the win.
Oklahoma City's MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points but managed only three in the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 26 and 20 points respectively, but the Thunder committed 19 turnovers, which Indiana turned into 21 points.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted his team was outplayed late in the game. "They just stacked way more quality possessions in the fourth quarter than we did," he said.
Game 4 will be played Friday in Indianapolis before the series returns to Oklahoma City.
Sports
Salah Grieves Diogo Jota’s Death, Says Return to Liverpool Feels Scary
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has spoken out about the tragic death of his teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother, André, saying the loss has left him shaken and fearful of returning to the club after the international break.
Super Falcons Impress in Goalless Draw With Portugal in Friendly
Nigeria’s Super Falcons held Portugal to an entertaining goalless draw on Monday night in a pre-WAFCON friendly match at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon, showing resilience and determination despite arriving in the country just hours before kickoff.
Why Seth Rollins Is Missing from WWE Night of Champions 2025
As WWE prepares for the highly anticipated Night of Champions 2025 this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, fans have noticed one glaring omission—Seth Rollins is not scheduled to appear.
Messi to Face Former Club PSG as Inter Miami Reach Last 16
Lionel Messi is set for a high-stakes reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain after helping Inter Miami secure a place in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Three Killed, Dozens Injured in Algeria Stadium Stand Collapse
Three people were killed and more than 70 others injured after falling from the upper stands of a stadium in Algeria following MC Alger’s celebration of their second consecutive top-flight league title.
Mbappe Leaves Hospital After Illness, Doubtful for Next Real Match
Real Madrid star forward Kylian Mbappe has been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for an acute case of gastroenteritis.
Man City Fined £1m for Delayed Kick-Offs in Nine Matches
Manchester City have been fined £1.08 million by the Premier League for repeatedly starting or restarting matches late during the 2024/25 season.
Messi Scores Stunning Free-Kick as Inter Miami Beat Porto 2-1
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick as Inter Miami came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Porto.
Lamine Yamal Named Visa Global Ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026
With just one year remaining before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Visa has named rising football star Lamine Yamal as a global ambassador for the tournament.
Liverpool's £127m Wirtz Deal Sparks Backlash Over 'Crazy Money'
Liverpool have finally reached an agreement to sign German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a staggering £127 million, including bonuses and add-ons.