Indiana Pacers take Game 3 of NBA Finals to grab a 2-1 series lead over Oklahoma City

Indianapolis played host to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years and the home fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse witnessed a doozy of a game that saw their home team take another step toward a title.

Indianapolis played host to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years and the home fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse witnessed a doozy of a game that saw their home team take another step toward a title. The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 to secure a Game 3 win and take a 2-1 series lead. Both teams played a game of tug-of-war through the first three quarters but the Pacers did what they do best: Close out tight games. With six minutes left in the contest, the Thunder held a one-point lead. A little over a minute later, after an Obi Toppin put-back dunk, Indiana had sprinted to a seven-point advantage and the tone of the game had changed entirely. Oklahoma City found themselves in the same position as other Pacers opponents during this playoff run – on the receiving end of a late-game Indiana blitz. The Indianapolis crowd, which featured WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Basketball Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Reggie Miller, celebrated the Indy’s win as the clock hit zero. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who had received criticism for a quiet performance in most of Game 2 and came into the game with injury concerns, scored 22 points with Pascal Siakam adding 21 points in the win.