Indy's Finals Flashback Will History Repeat Itself in Game 3?

Article Heading: 2025 NBA Finals: 4 Things to Watch for in Game 3

Indianapolis is buzzing! It's been nearly a quarter-century since this city last hosted an NBA Finals game – back on June 16, 2000, when the Indiana Pacers delivered a resounding 120-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5. Ah, memories! While that win was sweet, the Lakers ultimately clinched the series, taking home their first title of the Shaq-Kobe-Phil Jackson dynasty.

This year, the atmosphere feels different, almost reminiscent of the 2001 Finals. Remember when Allen Iverson and the underdog Philadelphia 76ers shocked the world by stealing Game 1 from those same Lakers?
Fast forward to today, and the Pacers, much like those Sixers, find themselves in a similar position. They snagged Game 1 on the road thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch game-winner. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the series favorites, roared back to capture Game 2 with a dominant 123-107 performance.

Now, with the series shifting to Indiana, the Pacers have a golden opportunity to capitalize on home-court advantage. Will they rise to the occasion? Here are four key aspects to keep an eye on as Indiana looks to defend its turf at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Wednesday, 8:30 PM ET, ABC), and the Thunder aim to steal it back:

1. Capitalizing on SGA's Absence: Pacers Must Dominate the Non-SGA Minutes

The Pacers need to make the Thunder's performance without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) a significant vulnerability in this series. As modern analytics highlight, a team's efficiency with a key player on versus off the court is crucial. Consider Nikola Jokić, whose impact on the Denver Nuggets is undeniable.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's value to the Thunder is immense, although OKC still maintain a strong Net rating in the league even when he is not playing.

Here's the breakdown:

• During the regular season, the Thunder were 16.7 points better per 100 possessions with SGA on the court.
• Even with SGA on the bench, they were still 5.2 points better – a net rating that would rank fourth overall in the league.
• In the Finals so far, OKC is eight points better with Gilgeous-Alexander playing but still seven points better when he’s on the sideline.

Indiana needs to exploit those minutes when SGA rests. Whether it’s Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, or Alex Caruso running the Thunder’s offense, the Pacers must attack and win those crucial minutes. They managed it in Game 1, outscoring OKC by four points in the eight-plus minutes SGA was off the court. Replicating that success is key.

2. Haliburton Needs to Unleash His Offensive Game

It's a common refrain: "The star needs to step up!" But how? For Haliburton, a pass-first point guard, it’s about finding the right balance between facilitating and scoring. He needs to be more assertive and make it count!
The numbers speak volumes:

• When Haliburton scores at least 20 points in these playoffs, the Pacers are 7-1.
• When he scores less, they are just 6-4.
• Similarly, when he takes 15 or more shots, they are 8-1.
• Fewer than that, 5-4.

Haliburton also needs to get to the free-throw line; he’s yet to attempt a free throw in the Finals, a stark contrast to his 3.5 free-throw attempts per game in the earlier rounds. The Pacers need to find ways to get him the ball in advantageous positions, allowing him to be a more aggressive scorer.

3. Holmgren's Defensive Impact Extends Beyond the Rim

While Chet Holmgren's Game 1 performance was somewhat subdued, he elevated his game significantly in Game 2. His defensive versatility was particularly impressive. At 7-foot-1, Holmgren isn’t just a rim protector; he's agile enough to switch onto smaller, quicker players and use his length to disrupt their shots. His presence allows the Thunder to confidently defend pick-and-rolls and cover ground effectively.

4. The Whistle Factor: Will Home Cooking Play a Role?

Pacers fans felt that the Thunder were allowed a more physical style of play in Oklahoma City. Whether that's just fan bias or a reflection of subtle officiating tendencies, the change of scenery could impact the game. The passionate Indiana crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will undoubtedly make their presence felt, potentially influencing the referees.

The free-throw disparity is notable:

• Oklahoma City has been called for 39 fouls, shooting 57 free throws and making 50.
• Indiana has been called for 47 fouls, shooting 47 free throws and making 34.

That 16-point advantage from the free-throw line is significant, considering the Thunder have only outscored the Pacers by 15 points across the first two games. Look for the Pacers to try and take advantage of the "home cooking" in Game 3.

Game 3 promises to be a pivotal moment in this series. Will the Pacers seize their home-court advantage and reassert control, or will the Thunder continue their dominance on the road? One thing's for sure: basketball fans are in for a thrilling contest! The Pacers have a chance to rewrite history, and the atmosphere in Indianapolis is electric with anticipation.

Source: https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-finals-game-3-preview