The Indiana Pacers continue to defy the odds.

Time and time again this postseason, they’ve been overlooked and downplayed—yet they just keep marching on.

Despite entering Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals with the series tied at 1-1, many still expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to overwhelm Indiana and wrap things up in five games.

Unfazed by the odds and the widespread disregard of their chances against the Thunder, the Pacers shrugged off a slow start to take an impressive 116-107 win on their home floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Oklahoma City led by as much as nine in the opening period, but Indiana’s bench sparked a second-quarter rally that gave them a 64-60 lead at halftime.

By the end of the third quarter, the Thunder had regained a five-point edge and looked poised to take control. But once again, the Pacers’ reserves came to the rescue, opening the fourth with a 17-9 run that gave them the lead for good, 101-98. From there, Indiana took command and ended with a nine-point victory.

Indiana’s bench played a pivotal role, with Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin leading the charge.

Mathurin led all scorers with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 7-of-8 from the line—all in just 22 minutes off the bench. The third-year forward checked in at the start of the second quarter and immediately shifted momentum in the Pacers’ favor, scoring 14 of his 27 points during his first 6:13 on the floor. His relentless drives collapsed the Thunder’s defense and created space for his teammates throughout the night.

The 33-year-old veteran McConnell was just as impactful with five steals (The record is seven) along with 10 points and five assists in 15 minutes. He is the first reserve in league history to ever post these types of numbers in the NBA Finals. His frenetic energy on both ends of the floor galvanized the Pacers and seemed to have left Oklahoma City shellshocked at times. 

Toppin brought his trademark hustle and athleticism, highlighted by a thunderous putback dunk late in the fourth that pushed Indiana’s lead to seven, 107-100. He played a bench-high 27 minutes, finishing with eight points, six rebounds, an assist, two blocks, and a game-high +/- of +18. His blend of size and agility has proven vital in this series against the Thunder’s lengthy frontcourt and it was on full display in Game 3.

Meanwhile, starters Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam also delivered their typical strong performances. Haliburton nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and a block. Siakam added 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block of his own.

With Game 4 coming up at home, Indiana has a golden opportunity to take control of the series. If their full rotation continues to contribute like they did in Game 3, they should be able to hold off the Thunder. Another win gives the Pacers a 3-1 lead and puts them just one victory away from capturing the franchise’s first NBA title since joining the league in the 1976 NBA-ABA merger.

Indiana is on the verge of history—but before they can etch their name in the record books, they must first close out a phenomenal Oklahoma City team that does not know how to quit.