(PACERS RELEASE)
After the Pacers went into Oklahoma City and split a pair of games with the Thunder, the 2025 NBA Finals shifts to Indianapolis this week, as Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosts Game 3 on Wednesday and Game 4 on Friday.
Indianapolis is buzzing as the city prepares to host its first Finals games in 25 years.
“I just know Gainbridge is going to be rocking,” Pacers center Myles Turner said after Game 2. “I love our environment. You give credit where credit is due…Oklahoma City did a great job showing up with their fans and whatnot. I expect it to be a lot louder in Indianapolis. I know how long this city has been waiting for this Finals experience. They are going to show up.”
After pulling out a last-second victory in Game 1, the Pacers dropped Game 2, falling 123-107 to the Thunder in a game that Oklahoma City led by double digits for the entire second half.
The Thunder’s defense caused problems for Indiana in Game 2, limiting the Pacers to just 34 points in the paint and forcing the Blue & Gold into 15 turnovers. All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton had an uncharacteristic five giveaways and had just five points through the first three quarters (though he did score 12 in the fourth quarter).
The Pacers have been resilient at bouncing back after losses all season. Indiana is 4-0 in the playoffs after a loss and has won eight straight games after a loss, a streak that dates back to March 10. The Pacers have also won their last 11 games when coming off a double-digit defeat, a streak that goes all the way back to early December.
Those streaks will be on the line on Wednesday night.
Probable Starters
Pacers: G – Tyrese Haliburton, G – Andrew Nembhard, F – Aaron Nesmith, F – Pascal Siakam, C – Myles Turner
Thunder: G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G – Cason Wallace, F – Jalen Williams, F – Luguentz Dort, C – Chet Holmgren
Injury Report
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson – out (torn right Achilles tendon), Jarace Walker – out (right ankle sprain)
Thunder: Nikola Topic – out (left knee surgery)
Last Meeting
June 8, 2025: The Thunder used a 35-9 over the end of the first and start of the second quarters to build a 23-point lead and never let Indiana back within single digits the rest of the night, cruising to a 123-107 victory in Game 2 in Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting (11-of-12 from the free throw line), five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.
Four others scored in double figures for Oklahoma City. Alex Caruso had 20 points off the bench while going 4-for-8 from 3-point range, while fellow reserve Aaron Wiggins scored 18 and went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Jalen Williams tallied 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Chet Holmgren added 15 points and six boards.
Seven Pacers reached double figures in the loss, led by Tyrese Haliburton with 17 points and six assists. Myles Turner added 16 points, while Pascal Siakam tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Noteworthy
This will be the first time Indiana has hosted an NBA Finals game with homecourt advantage in the series. The Pacers hosted three games in the 2000 Finals, but the Lakers had homecourt advantage in the series.
Myles Turner is currently tied with Dale Davis for second place for most playoff blocks (119) in Pacers franchise history and is two away from passing Jermaine O’Neal (120 blocks) for the franchise postseason record
Game 3 will be a “Gold Out,” with all fans in attendance receiving a gold t-shirt.
Broadcast Information (TV and Radio Listings >>)
TV: ABC – Mike Breen (play-by-play), Doris Burke (analyst), Richard Jefferson (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
