Have Thunder proven to be superior to Pacers despite 1-1 tie in NBA Finals?
USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the mentality of both the the Pacers and Thunder as the tied series heads back to Indy for Game 3 and 4.
Sports Pulse
The Indiana Pacers answered back yet again.
After falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers downed the Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to lift the Pacers to a 2-1 series lead, marking the 10th time Indiana has followed a loss with a win this season. That marks the longest streak this season, including the playoffs.
The Thunder entered the fourth quarter with a five-point lead, but the Pacers outscored them 32-18 in the final quarter to secure the win. Oklahoma City’s turnovers (19) and missed free throws (23-of-30) contributed to the team’s loss, in addition to the Pacers’ pressure applied to Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin scored a game-high 27 points off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points and 11 rebounds and Pascal Siakam had 21 points. The Thunder’s big three — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points), Jalen Williams (26) and Chet Holmgren (20) — all finished with double-digits in scoring.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will need to come out with a sense of urgency and protect the ball to avoid falling 3-1 to the Pacers. Teams in a 3-1 series deficit are only 13-285 in the NBA postseason and 1-37 in the NBA Finals.
Here’s what you need to know about Game 4 of the NBA Finals, which tips off on Friday in Indianapolis:
How to watch Game 4 of the NBA Finals
Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be broadcast nationally on ABC on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can stream it on Fubo (offers a free trial) and SlingTV.
Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo
NBA Finals 2025: Full schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming
All times Eastern. *-if necessary
- Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
- Game 2: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
- Game 3: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
- Game 4, June 13: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
- Game 5, June 16: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.*
- Game 6, June 19: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.*
- Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.*
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