June 11 (UPI) -- Indiana Pacers defenders invaded Shai Gilgous-Alexander's personal space all night, while gassing the Oklahoma City Thunder with hectic offensive tempo to win Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
The Pacers, who trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, outscored the Thunder 52-47 in the second for the 116-107 triumph, giving them a 2-1 series lead and their first NBA Finals win in nearly 25 years.
"We just had guys make plays after plays," Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who totaled 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, said on the ABC broadcast.
Bench production played a major role in Game 3, with the Pacers reserves outscoring their Thunder counterparts 49-18. The Pacers also turned the Thunders' playoff-high 19 turnovers into 21 points. Reserve wing Bennedict Mathurin scored a game-high 27 points, including 14 in the second quarter.
The Pacers (2-1) will host the Thunder (1-2) in Game 4 of the best-of-seven game series on Friday in Indianapolis.
