Pacers Rally in Fourth to Beat Thunder, Lead NBA Finals 2-1

• Jun 12, 2025

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.