Pacers’ Unlikely Heroes Ignite Game 3 NBA Finals Win

Depth Delivers: Indiana’s Unlikely Heroes Flip the NBA Finals Script

In a pivotal Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers delivered a resounding 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, seizing a crucial 2-1 series lead. Playing host to their first Finals game in a quarter-century, the atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse crackled with anticipation, and the Pacers delivered, not through the singular brilliance of one superstar, but through a legion of unexpected contributors.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement forged by the team’s remarkable depth. While star guard Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense, the true catalysts were the players who emerged from the shadows – the second unit standouts who dictated the game’s tempo and tilted the series on its head: Bennedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin. Their collective effort mirrored a sentiment echoed decades ago by Pacers veteran Dale Davis: “That’s the type of effort it’s going to take for us to win.”

Echoes of History: Unlikely Heroes Step Up

The performance of these emergent players felt like a direct link to the Pacers’ last Finals run in 2000, a time remembered for its own unexpected heroes like Austin Croshere and the diminutive Travis Best. Like a time capsule, Game 3 brought those memories rushing back, proving that in Indiana, the spotlight isn’t reserved for just a few.

Bennedict Mathurin: The second-year guard had arguably the game of his life, delivering a remarkably efficient and poised 27 points on just 12 shots. His scoring punch was critical in keeping the pressure on the Thunder defense.
TJ McConnell: McConnell delivered an “all-time hell-raising performance.” His final line of 10 points, five assists, and five steals doesn’t fully capture his disruptive impact. Known for his signature inbound steals, McConnell snagged three crucial ones, including a pivotal interception with 8:35 left that directly led to a game-tying layup. Playing with a palpable chip on his shoulder, he embodies the kind of pesky, relentless energy that frustrates opponents, drawing comparisons to tenacious guards like Marcus Smart or J.J. Barea. As he’s stated, he plays “like I don’t belong,” which fuels his relentless effort.

Obi Toppin: Toppin’s irrepressible athleticism created bursts of energy and crucial plays in the fourth quarter, impacting both ends of the floor. His ability to finish above the rim and make quick defensive reads provided invaluable momentum.

A Strategic Masterclass: Dominating the Details

The Pacers didn’t just rely on individual heroics; their strategic execution was top-tier. They made a compelling case for winning a game in the second quarter alone, exploding for 40 points on 60.9% shooting with only a single turnover. This period demonstrated Indiana’s ability to dictate the game’s physicality and pace.

Defensively, the Pacers were resolute. Recognizing how the Thunder’s defense can disorient opponents, Indiana flipped the script, applying constant pressure on Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They sent “countless bodies” at him, intelligently employing double-teams and leveraging Andrew Nembhard’s deep understanding of SGA’s tendencies. This persistent on-ball pressure and diligent screen navigation proved highly effective, contributing to the Thunder’s highest turnover rate of the playoffs – only the second time in 19 postseason games OKC had more turnovers than their opponent. This relentless defense visibly flustered SGA at times, contributing to an uncharacteristically inefficient scoring night for him (24 points on 20 shots with six turnovers).

Offensively, the team was decisive and dynamic. Pascal Siakam actively sought out advantageous post matchups early on, setting a physical tone. Drives to the basket frequently triggered secondary actions and sharp cuts into the paint and along the baseline, constantly forcing the Thunder defense into recovery mode.

Haliburton’s Unique Leadership Shines

Amidst the narrative of unlikely heroes, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a performance that silenced critics who questioned his impact after a challenging Game 2. While some pundits clamor for traditional volume scoring, Haliburton’s aggression manifests differently. His Game 3 stat line (22 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds) showcased his value through poised playmaking and a balanced attack. He didn’t need to score 30; his influence is an “atmospheric shift” that elevates everyone around him.

Haliburton, aware of the “talking heads” despite trying to limit social media, responded on the court. His ability to facilitate (11 assists) while still efficiently scoring (9-of-17 field goals, including 4-of-8 threes) and contributing significantly in rebounding (9) and timely defense against SGA proved his multifaceted value. The Pacers hold an impressive 20-1 record this season when Haliburton achieves a 20-point, 10-assist game, underscoring the impact of his balanced approach, praised by Coach Rick Carlisle as “terrific.”

Forging a Resilient Identity

This Game 3 victory cemented the Pacers’ identity as a team defined by its relentlessness, sacrifice, and collective strength. They’ve successfully inverted the narrative from earlier criticism, becoming a team that thrives in clutch moments and forces opponents to work for every possession.

The Thunder, while undeniably talented, looked uncharacteristically mistake-prone in Game 3, struggling with turnovers and allowing the Pacers to dictate terms. This wasn’t solely an off-night for OKC; it was a direct consequence of Indiana’s strategic pressure and sustained effort. The Pacers held the Thunder to just 6-of-17 shooting in the fourth quarter, allowing only two field goals in the final seven minutes – a testament to their significantly improved defense.

“This is the kind of team we are,” Coach Carlisle stated after the game. “We need everybody.” Game 3 was the embodiment of that ethos, a win powered by depth, strategic execution, and the emergence of unlikely heroes who propelled Indiana to a 2-1 NBA Finals lead.