Just a few weeks ago, the Indiana Pacers weren’t exactly top picks in anyone’s NBA Finals bracket.
But on Wednesday night, in a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the underdog squad took another step in rewriting their postseason narrative.
This wasn’t just another game. This was a statement win — and the energy in Indianapolis made it unforgettable.
The scene was already electric before the tip-off, with 50 Cent’s gritty track “Many Men” booming through the arena speakers.
The lyrics, inspired by surviving adversity, couldn’t have been more fitting.
The Pacers, still battling injuries and doubts, showed up like they had nothing to lose — and everything to prove.
A Rough Start Doesn’t Break the Pacers
It didn’t begin smoothly for Indiana. Oklahoma City came out aggressive, jumping to a 15-6 lead early in the first quarter.
Coach Rick Carlisle quickly called a timeout, and whatever he said must’ve clicked — because the Pacers came out of that huddle looking like a different team.
Chet Holmgren was hot in the first quarter, putting up 13 points and giving Indiana problems in the paint. But the Pacers didn’t panic.
A three-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton cut the deficit to just two, and the home crowd roared to life.
TJ McConnell made a pivotal play — stealing the ball and flinging it off OKC’s Cason Wallace to regain possession — and the shift in momentum was palpable.
Bench Mob Steps Up Big Time
The Pacers’ bench came in swinging. Benedict Mathurin dropped 14 points in the first half alone, providing a much-needed scoring punch.
Obi Toppin’s hustle and energy helped tilt the game in Indiana’s favor, while Alex Caruso kept pestering OKC’s guards defensively.
On the other side, Lu Dort helped the Thunder start strong with nine first-quarter points, but the depth of Indiana’s rotation began to shine through.
The second quarter saw the Thunder falter, especially under Indiana’s defensive pressure.
In just over four minutes, OKC was outscored 15-4, and by halftime, they had committed 11 turnovers — a stat that gifted the Pacers 13 points and, more importantly, belief.
MVPs Look Human Under Pressure
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently crowned league MVP, had 24 points on the night, but six turnovers and a quiet fourth quarter told the real story.
While he and Jalen Williams (who led OKC with 26 points) found ways to get on the scoreboard, the Pacers’ pressure defense kept forcing uncomfortable shots.
Haliburton, despite playing through an ankle issue, continued to direct traffic with poise.
His playmaking opened up opportunities for others, and his aggression in the paint helped collapse OKC’s defense multiple times.
The MVP on the other side just couldn’t get into a rhythm as the game wore on.
The Third Quarter Sees Momentum Swing Again
The start of the third brought another twist. OKC flipped a four-point deficit into a four-point lead in a flash.
Chet Holmgren even had a wide-open three that could’ve extended the Thunder lead to seven — but he missed, and the Pacers took advantage.
Haliburton again sparked a surge with a steal and breakaway layup, regaining the lead.
The teams traded buckets the rest of the way, with Williams knocking down a clutch three to give OKC a five-point edge heading into the final quarter.
TJ McConnell and the Pacers Close the Door
Any hopes OKC had of finishing strong were quickly dashed in the fourth.
McConnell came up huge once again — his fifth steal of the night led to a layup that tied things up at 95.
Not long after, Mathurin buried a three-pointer to give Indiana the lead. From there, the Pacers never looked back.
Haliburton drilled a deep three with just under seven minutes to go, forcing OKC to call timeout.
Moments later, Toppin lit up the arena with a thunderous dunk that put Indy up by seven.
The crowd went absolutely wild — and the Pacers, for once, didn’t need any late-game miracle to hold on.
All Eyes on Game 4 in Indy
With their 116-107 victory, the Pacers have turned the pressure right back on Oklahoma City.
They now lead the series 2-1 and will host Game 4 on Friday with a golden opportunity to take control of the Finals.
From 50 Cent’s defiant anthem before tipoff to Pat McAfee rallying fans during the fourth quarter, everything about this night in Indianapolis screamed belief.
The Pacers weren’t just surviving anymore. They were thriving.
And now, the Thunder are the ones playing catch-up.