Pacers dominate the fourth quarter, take Game 3

After a disappointing loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, the Indiana Pacers were determined to turn the tide in Game 3 in front of their home crowd.

Indiana’s crowd, which featured many familiar faces such as Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, and Oscar Robertson, was ready to go, as this was the Pacers’ first home NBA Finals game in 25 years.

Bennedict Mathurin would score 10 of his game-high 27 points in the fourth, and Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists as the Pacers defeated the Thunder 116-107 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana trailed the Thunder 89-84 heading into the fourth quarter, and they unleashed their full potential and momentum in the final stretch.

The Pacers started the fourth quarter on a 17-9 run, and after a Haliburton three, Indiana took the lead for good, leading 101-98 with just under seven minutes to go.  

In the final stanza, Indiana shot 61% from the field, and they outscored the Thunder 32-18.

Pascal Siakam had 21 points, and T.J. McConnell chipped in with 10 points, five assists, and five steals off Indiana’s bench. McConnell became the first player in NBA Finals history to have 10 points, five assists, and five steals off the bench.

For the Thunder, Jalen Williams led the scoring with 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24 points, and Chet Holmgren contributed a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

Bottom Line:

Haliburton was aggressive from start to finish, and the Pacers needed that kind of effort. Additionally, they received great production off the bench. Indiana got 49 points from its reserves, while the Thunder could only get 18 points from their bench. 

Indiana doesn’t win this game without contributions from Mathurin and McConnell.

With only one team in history managing to come back from a 3-1 series deficit, the Thunder’s victory in Game 4 is not just important, it’s a must-win situation.