The Indiana Pacers are on the verge of achieving an improbable NBA title, securing a stunning 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the finals. Having started the season as 50-1 outsiders, the Pacers are now just two wins away from their first championship, marking a historic scenario as no team in the past 40 years has clinched the title after such long odds at the season’s outset.
Under the guidance of coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers’ fast-paced and selfless style of play has propelled them into the lead in the best-of-seven series, now sitting at 2-1. The upcoming Game 4 will also take place in Indianapolis, where legendary Pacers player Reggie Miller was spotted cheering passionately from the sidelines.
In a thrilling match, Indiana showcased a strong bench performance, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring 27 points and Tyrese Haliburton contributing 22 points along with 11 assists. The bench outclassed the Thunder’s reserves with a remarkable 49-18 scoring margin. Haliburton emphasised the importance of team contributions, stating, “So many different guys chipped in.”
The Thunder, who have yet to win an NBA championship themselves, were led by Jalen Williams with 26 points and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 24. Despite leading into the fourth quarter, the Thunder faltered, allowing the Pacers to dominate the final minutes. Traditionally, the winner of Game 3 in a tied finals series has a strong track record, with 33 of the previous 41 instances resulting in a championship win.
The match was closely contested, featuring 15 ties, indicating a competitive spirit absent in last year’s finals. Despite a rough foul late in the game, which could have shifted momentum, the Pacers maintained control, outscoring the Thunder 32-18 in the fourth quarter, restricting them to just 35 per cent shooting.
Pacers’ coach Carlisle praised the team’s collective effort, highlighting the necessity for every player to step up, stating, “It’s not always going to be exactly the same guys that are stepping up.” The Thunder’s coach, Mark Daigneault, acknowledged their need for improvement, indicating that they have to return to their winning style in Game 4.
As the Pacers look to solidify their aspirations for the championship, the excitement builds in Indiana, waiting to see if history will be made in the upcoming game.