INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-107, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
The win marked Indiana’s second fourth-quarter comeback of the NBA Finals. The Pacers dropped 32 points in the fourth quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City by 14 in the frame.
The Pacers got off to a slow start during Wednesday’s contest, as they trailed, 32-24, at the end of the first quarter. Indiana scored less than 10 points in the first five minutes of the game.
The Pacers erased their early deficit with a 40-point second quarter. Indiana outscored Oklahoma City by 12 in the second period and led 64-60 at halftime.
Despite the Pacers’ halftime lead, the Thunder refused to go away. Oklahoma City outscored Indiana, 29-20, in the third quarter to take an 89-84 lead into the fourth quarter.
Indiana quickly erased the Thunder’s slim lead, tying the contest at 95 with 8:09 left in the game. Indiana took its first lead of the fourth quarter on a 3-pointer from guard Bennedict Mathurin with 8:02 remaining.
The Pacers did not trail at any point after Mathurin’s 3-pointer.
Indiana had three players finish the game in double figures — forward Pascal Siakam, point guard Tyrese Hailburton and Mathurin. They finished the game with 21, 22 and 27 points, respectively.
Haliburton registered a double-double, racking up 11 assists in addition to the scoring he provided. The Wisconsin native fell just one rebound short of a triple-double.
The NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was among the Thunder’s leading scorers. Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 24 points on the contest.
Oklahoma City also got significant contributions from guard Jalen Williams and forward Chet Holmgren, who scored 26 and 20, respectively.
With their win Wednesday night, the Pacers now lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals, 2-1. Indiana won Game 1, 111-110, and lost Game 2, 123-107.
The Pacers and Thunder will return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 4 on Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
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