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Indianapolis, June 13: There’s a growing storm inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but it’s not coming from Oklahoma City. With the NBA Finals taking a dramatic turn, the underdog Indiana Pacers are no longer just enjoying the ride—they’re gripping the wheel.
In Wednesday’s Game 3, the Pacers pulled off what now feels less like an upset and more like a statement. A 116-107 win wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about tempo, toughness, and trust. Bennedict Mathurin, not yet 22, looked like a ten-year veteran as he poured in 27 points off the bench. With that performance, Indiana claimed a 2-1 lead in the series and sent a clear message: this team isn’t waiting for its moment—it’s seizing it.
A Team Built for the Moment
Head coach Rick Carlisle has seen plenty of playoff battles, but this one feels different. “They’ve got this energy,” he said postgame. “It’s not ego. It’s not hype. It’s just real belief.”
And it’s hard to argue. The Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s 49-18—a jaw-dropping number that speaks not just to Indiana’s depth, but to how comfortably they’ve settled into this Finals environment.
Tyrese Haliburton, the face of Indiana’s revival, wasn’t spectacular in terms of box score heroics (21 points, 11 assists), but his fingerprints were everywhere. He orchestrated the pace, steered the attack, and steadied the team when OKC made a late run. The crowd roared with every slick assist and every sideline bounce. This isn’t just a team—they’re a movement.
Thunder’s Road Woes Resurface
For all their regular season brilliance, the Oklahoma City Thunder have struggled to translate that form away from Paycom Center. Their postseason road record sits at 4-4, and while they remain the series favorite per ESPN BET at -220, that stat doesn’t inspire confidence heading into Game 4.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ever the focal point, had 26 points but looked visibly frustrated as the Pacers’ defense threw varied looks his way. His six turnovers loomed large in key moments. And while Jalen Williams showed up with 26 of his own, the rest of the Thunder’s supporting cast went quiet—too quiet for Finals basketball.
Oklahoma City now finds itself in an unusual spot: chasing. For a team that thrives on pace and control, that’s unfamiliar territory.
Mathurin Finds His Groove—Again
If there’s one emerging narrative that’s hard to ignore, it’s the rise of Bennedict Mathurin. His 27-point outburst in Game 3 wasn’t just timely—it was consistent with a postseason trend. Every time he finds rhythm, he tends to string together performances.
In the previous rounds, similar patterns played out: a breakout scoring night, followed by another. Against Milwaukee, then again versus Cleveland, and most recently against the Knicks. Bettors and fans alike would be wise not to dismiss this latest surge. His current player prop is set at 10.5 points—a line that’s looking increasingly conservative.
McConnell’s Hustle Making All the Difference
Every great Finals run has its folk hero. For Indiana, that man is T.J. McConnell. He’s not flashy. He’s not even a starter. But he’s been nothing short of essential.
In just under 17 minutes a night, McConnell is averaging well above his combined PRA (points + rebounds + assists) line of 13.5. He’s cleared that number in each Finals game thus far, and his energy off the bench has repeatedly shifted momentum Indiana’s way.
When Haliburton rests, McConnell brings relentless drive, aggressive on-ball defense, and an uncanny ability to find cutters in stride. It’s no coincidence that Indiana’s most decisive runs have come with McConnell in the mix.
What’s Going Wrong for OKC?
Despite having the more polished roster on paper, the Thunder have found themselves scrambling for answers. The bench production has dried up, the paint presence has thinned, and questions are beginning to surface about Chet Holmgren’s endurance.
Holmgren, who posted 10 rebounds in Game 3, appeared to be laboring during the fourth quarter. Several analysts, including those at The Athletic, have hinted at a potential adjustment—either in terms of minutes or rotation support. The physical toll of a long playoff run may be catching up to the 7-foot-1 rookie, especially against Indiana’s aggressive frontcourt rotation.
His rebound line currently sits at 8.5, a mark he may struggle to meet if his minutes are scaled back in favor of more physical options like Jaylin Williams or Hartenstein.
Stakes Rising as Game 4 Looms
Historically, Game 4 in a 2-1 Finals has been a decisive pivot. According to league archives, teams leading 2-1 and winning Game 4 go on to win the championship in more than 78% of cases. For Indiana, that means Friday offers a rare chance to tip the series in their favor—permanently.
For the Thunder, it’s a chance to remind the world why they were the top seed in the West. Mark Daigneault has shown he can make adjustments. He’ll need to now, more than ever.
Expect more defensive pressure on Haliburton. Expect tighter rotations. Expect desperation.
Because while the Pacers have nothing to lose, the Thunder suddenly have everything at stake.
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