Thunder Trail Pacers 2-1 in NBA Finals After Game 3 Loss

The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite entering the 2025 NBA Finals as heavy favorites, are currently trailing 2-1 against the Indiana Pacers after a 116-107 loss in Game 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring just three points and shouldering a heavy defensive load, which drained his energy and affected his offensive output. The Thunder's defense faltered in the final period, allowing the Pacers to execute an 18-9 run, while Oklahoma City could only manage one field goal in the last nearly six minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the team's need to respond to the Pacers' increased aggression and emphasized learning from mistakes and focusing on rest and recovery ahead of Game 4. The Thunder's bench also underperformed, scoring only 18 points compared to the Pacers' bench leader Bennedict Mathurin's 27 points. Additionally, turnovers plagued the Thunder, with Gilgeous-Alexander committing six, contributing to the team's difficulties on the road, where they have struggled throughout the playoffs.