Pacer Power: Indiana Edges Ahead in NBA Finals Showdown
The NBA Finals are feeling electric in Indianapolis. With Indiana’s 116-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, the Pacers have taken a 2-1 lead in the series. For Pacers fans, there might be a sense of déjà vu—their team hasn’t been this far since 2000, back when most current players were still in grade school. Meanwhile, the Thunder are still looking for their first title since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City over a decade ago.
Game 3 tipped off on June 11 at 8:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game was broadcast on ABC, and fans who ditched their cable boxes had plenty of other ways to tune in. ESPN+ and Hulu Live TV were streaming the game live, and for anyone who hadn’t already committed, DirecTV Stream tempted them with a free trial that included the Finals coverage.
The drama on the court matched the buzz in the stands. Bennedict Mathurin played the hero for Indiana, delivering a scorching 27 points from the bench. His energy jolted the Pacers at crucial stretches, especially as the Thunder tried to launch a late comeback. While Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam chipped in quietly but efficiently, it was Mathurin who stole the spotlight when the Pacers needed it most.
On the Thunder side, Jalen Williams showed he can handle the stage under playoff lights. His 26 points led Oklahoma City, but they just couldn’t string together enough stops late in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren flashed moments of brilliance, yet the squad struggled to keep Indiana’s second-chance opportunities in check.
If you missed the action and want to catch future games, here’s how it works: every NBA Finals game airs on ABC at 8:30 PM ET. Cord-cutters can rely on platforms like ESPN+ or Hulu Live, which both carry ABC’s broadcast. For those new to streaming, DirecTV Stream often throws out a free trial—perfect for folks wanting in on the action without a long-term commitment. Just sign up, watch the game, and decide if you want to keep it. No hassle.
What’s Next: Game 4 and Indiana’s Historic Run
The Pacers vs Thunder saga evolves again with Game 4 on June 12, right back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for the same time: 8:30 PM ET, and ABC stays as the broadcast home. This stretch of home games could play a big factor for Indiana, with crowd energy and momentum working in their favor. At stake? Indiana’s shot at its first-ever NBA championship – if they keep their foot on the gas and maintain their edge.
Oklahoma City, on the other hand, faces an uphill climb. They need to regroup, adjust their defense, and hope their young stars can rediscover their groove away from home. The chess match between coaches will be interesting to watch: how will Rick Carlisle and Mark Daigneault tweak their strategies after a tense Game 3?
Either way, fans are getting a series loaded with storylines and jaw-dropping performances. Whether you’re in Indiana soaking up the home-court buzz, or tuning in from your couch across the country, this year’s Finals are shaping up to be one for the books.
