MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Struggles in the 4th Quarter, Thunder Misses Game 3

The Indiana Pacers delivered a statement win on Wednesday night, taking Game 3 of the NBA Finals at home and grabbing a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. In front of a raucous crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers defended their home court with a 116-107 victory, capitalizing on a rare off-night from NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, especially in the crucial fourth quarter.

As the Pacers inch closer to their first-ever NBA championship, the story of the night revolved around how they contained one of the league’s most unguardable stars—and what that could mean for the rest of the series.

Pacers Take Control With Dominant All-Around Performance

The Pacers now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, putting themselves just two wins away from making franchise history. Wednesday’s win was fueled by a balanced offensive attack, tight defensive rotations, and an intense home-court energy that pushed them past the Thunder in crunch time.

While Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin lit up the scoreboard, it was Indiana’s team defense that stole the show. They executed a clear strategy: frustrate the MVP.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Quiet Fourth Quarter

For much of the postseason, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nearly unstoppable. Averaging 30.7 points per game in the playoffs before Game 3 and coming off back-to-back dominant performances in Games 1 and 2 (72 points combined), the Thunder’s superstar looked poised to continue his tear. But Wednesday night was a different story.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, which would be a solid stat line for most players—but it was underwhelming by MVP standards. Even more concerning for Oklahoma City fans, Shai faded in the fourth quarter, where his presence is usually felt the most. The Pacers’ pressure limited his touches and disrupted his rhythm when the Thunder needed him most.

Pacers’ Defensive Game Plan: Multiple Bodies on Shai

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s floor general, credited the team’s defensive game plan during the postgame interview on ESPN.

“You just have to try and make it as tough as you can. He’s such a tough cover,” Haliburton said. “We were trying to show him multiple bodies, show help, and do the best we can.”

The Pacers mixed coverages, switching from man-to-man to zone at times, and consistently sent help defenders to cut off Shai’s driving lanes. Their strategy disrupted his isolation game and prevented him from getting to his signature mid-range pull-ups or finishing comfortably at the rim.

Bennedict Mathurin Ignites Indiana Off the Bench

While Haliburton flirted with a triple-double—posting 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds—it was Bennedict Mathurin who electrified the Indiana crowd and shifted the momentum.

Mathurin poured in 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench, showcasing his elite scoring instincts and fearless mindset. His offensive burst in the second half gave the Pacers the cushion they needed to stave off any Thunder comeback attempts.

His performance not only lifted Indiana but added another dimension to their attack, putting additional pressure on Oklahoma City’s defense to adjust.

Thunder’s Supporting Cast Falls Short

While Gilgeous-Alexander struggled, the Thunder’s supporting cast failed to pick up the slack. Jalen Williams, who has been a key contributor throughout the playoffs, had an inconsistent night, and Chet Holmgren—while defensively solid—couldn’t provide the offensive spark the team desperately needed.

With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City lacked the scoring punch to counter Indiana’s run. Missed opportunities, turnovers, and stagnation on offense were all signs that the team was rattled—a rare sight for this resilient Thunder squad.

Game 3 Could Be the Turning Point

A pivotal Game 3 often sets the tone for the rest of a Finals series, and this matchup was no exception. The Pacers now hold momentum, confidence, and home-court advantage as the Finals head into a crucial Game 4.

For the Thunder, the loss was not just about dropping a game—it was about revealing cracks in what had seemed like an invincible armor. If they can’t find a way to get Gilgeous-Alexander back into rhythm, and if their role players don’t step up, the window for a comeback could close quickly.

What’s Next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

Make no mistake—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still the engine that drives the Thunder. One subpar game doesn’t erase his MVP-worthy season or his elite postseason performances. But the pressure is now on him to respond.

The Pacers have shown a blueprint: physical defense, help coverage, and taking away his preferred spots. Now it’s up to Shai and the Thunder coaching staff to adjust the game plan for Game 4.

He’ll need to assert himself earlier, get to the foul line more often, and trust his teammates to spread the floor effectively.

Haliburton’s Leadership Continues to Shine

On the flip side, Tyrese Haliburton continues to prove he belongs on the NBA’s biggest stage. He not only orchestrates Indiana’s offense with brilliance but has taken on more responsibility as a leader.

His near triple-double wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about timing. His clutch play in the fourth quarter, composed ball-handling, and timely shot-making allowed Indiana to weather Oklahoma City’s late push.

“We’ve got two more to go,” Haliburton said postgame. “We’re not satisfied yet.”

Pacers Fans Fuel the Fire

Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric on Wednesday, with fans waving gold towels, roaring after every defensive stop, and chanting MVP for their own floor general. The home-court advantage was undeniable.

With Game 4 back in Indianapolis on Friday night, the Pacers will look to ride this wave of momentum and inch closer to history. Their last Finals appearance was in 2000—and the franchise has waited 25 years for this opportunity.

Can the Thunder Bounce Back?

Despite the loss, the Thunder are far from done. Mark Daigneault is one of the most innovative coaches in the league, and you can expect adjustments heading into Game 4. Whether that means more off-ball action for Gilgeous-Alexander, increased minutes for sparkplugs like Isaiah Joe, or defensive tweaks to slow down Mathurin, OKC has to respond.

This young Thunder team has shown resilience all year. Now they face their biggest test yet.

Final Score: Indiana Pacers 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 107

• Pacers lead series 2-1

• Tyrese Haliburton: 22 PTS, 11 AST, 9 REB

• Bennedict Mathurin: 27 PTS (off the bench)

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST

• Game 4: Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Conclusion: MVP Pressure Mounts on SGA as Finals Intensify

The 2025 NBA Finals have been nothing short of thrilling, and Game 3 delivered a major twist. The MVP had a rare off-night, the underdog Pacers played like champions, and the series has officially turned into a strategic chess match.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s fourth-quarter disappearance will be under the microscope heading into Game 4. Can he rebound and lead the Thunder to a comeback win? Or will Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers push Oklahoma City to the brink?

One thing’s for sure: Friday’s Game 4 in Indianapolis is now a must-watch showdown.