Pacers Surge Past Thunder in Game 3, Seize 2-1 NBA Finals Lead

Pacers Snap Thunder’s Momentum with Dominant Fourth Quarter

The Indiana Pacers flipped the NBA Finals script on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, rallying to topple the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 and seize a 2-1 lead in the series. The energy inside the arena matched the stakes, as fans watched their Pacers claw back from a five-point deficit after three quarters. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement from a team that many counted out against a Thunder squad pegged as significant favorites.

Heading into the final period, the Thunder held an 89-84 advantage, thanks in part to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carving up defenses in his usual smooth style. But when it mattered, Indiana’s defense tightened the screws, holding Oklahoma City to just 18 points in the fourth while scoring a blistering 32 themselves. The Pacers’ mix of energy, timely defensive stops, and smart shot selection made the difference, stunning a Thunder team used to closing nights out strong.

Jay-Z’s Million-Dollar Gamble and What Changed the Series

The drama off the court nearly matched the intensity on it. Music mogul Jay-Z had put $1 million on the Thunder wrapping up the series in exactly five games. His +230 bet could have turned into a $3.3 million payout if Oklahoma City had delivered. But the Pacers’ gutsy performance blew up that scenario, ensuring the Finals will last at least six games — and Jay-Z’s bet is now nothing more than a costly footnote.

Indiana’s home-court edge has been massive so far. Tyrese Haliburton, who played hero in Game 1 to keep the series even, set the tone again with smart playmaking and icy focus. The Pacers leaned on their depth and quick ball movement, forcing the Thunder into uncomfortable rotations. You could feel the pressure growing on the Thunder bench as the pace picked up and their lead slipped away.

The Thunder haven’t been slouches, though. Throughout the Finals, they’ve leaned heavily on getting to the line, averaging 25 free-throw attempts per game. But in the closing minutes of Game 3, that old reliable weapon dried up. Indiana’s adjustments on defense cut back on easy fouls and forced Oklahoma City into tougher, lower-percentage shots. Without those frequent trips to the stripe, the Thunder’s offense never really got back on track in the fourth.

Looking ahead, both teams know the series is far from decided. The Pacers may have the momentum, but Oklahoma City still boasts firepower and the ability to swing games with bursts of scoring. The next matchup in Indianapolis is shaping up to be a thriller, as the Thunder look to reclaim their edge and the Pacers hope to deepen their dent in this championship run. For now, Game 3 was Indiana’s night, and everyone — from the fans to a certain disappointed billionaire rapper — felt the impact.