2025 NBA Finals: Four things to watch in Game 3 between Thunder, Pacers - NBC Sports

Indiana's defense needs to be better. It would also help if the Pacers could avoid falling behind by double digits in the first half.
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2025 NBA Finals: Four things to watch in Game 3 between Thunder, Pacers
By
Kurt Helin,
By
Kurt Helin
Published June 11, 2025 09:32 AM
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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana secured the split it needed on the road in Oklahoma City, and now it comes home… but will that be enough? Game 2 was the kind of commanding performance we have seen from the Thunder all season long, and it’s the kind of game that should put doubts in the minds of Pacers faithful.
Game 3 will be crucial, and here are four key factors to watch.
It’s the most telling statistic of these NBA Finals so far: Through two games, the Thunder have led for 91:22 minutes and the Pacers 1:53. As impressive as the Pacers ability to come from behind and win close games all postseason has been, if they are going to have a chance this series they can’t keep falling behind by double-digits early then having to dig themselves out of a hole against the Thunder.
In Game 1, a 15-5 first-quarter Thunder run put them up by double digits and the Pacers spent the rest of the game playing catch-up, but because the lead never got beyond 15, they were able to, leading to Haliburton’s dramatic game-winner.
Tyrese Haliburton for the lead with .3 remaining. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bsYPIHo4tH
Rating: 5