Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

With the 2025 NBA Finals tied at one game each, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to battle for a crucial 2-1 lead in Game Three on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

After a stunning comeback victory in Game One, the Pacers were brought back to reality in Game Two, where the Thunder dominated from start to finish, securing a 123-107 win. This defeat marked one of the Pacers' heaviest losses in the postseason, despite only trailing for less than two minutes of the game.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, seen here on March 27, 2024, will look to rally his team at home. A 1-1 series score after two road games is a solid outcome for Indiana, who recently defeated the New York Knicks at home to clinch the Eastern Conference title.

Tyrese Haliburton, reflecting on his inconsistent first-half performances, knows he must step up early to help his team rebound from their recent loss. The Pacers have yet to drop consecutive games in these playoffs, though they’ve struggled in the opening home games of their last two series against the Knicks and Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, the Thunder showcased their regular-season dominance—finishing with a league-best 68-14 record—with a commanding Game Two performance at PayCom Center. Up by 19 points entering the fourth quarter, Mark Daigneault’s squad sealed the win with poise, avoiding a repeat of their Game One collapse.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander strengthened his Finals MVP case with another 30-point outing, shooting 11-21 while adding five rebounds and eight assists. Contributions from Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Chet Holmgren, who combined for 72 points and stout defense, bolstered Oklahoma City’s effort.

However, the Thunder have shown some inconsistency on the road, posting a 2-3 record in their last five away games since sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. They’ll need to stay sharp to avoid another setback in Indiana.