Indiana grabs a commanding 2–1 lead over OKC behind their young stars as the NBA Finals take an unexpected turn — are we witnessing the rise of a new Eastern dynasty?
The 2025 NBA Finals just flipped its own script — and the basketball world is watching with wide eyes.
In what many analysts predicted would be the Oklahoma City Thunder’s coronation, it’s instead the Indiana Pacers who have seized control of the series. After a thrilling Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana now holds a 2–1 lead in the NBA Finals, and they’ve done it behind two names that are suddenly lighting up every headline: Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin.
The New Faces of NBA Stardom
When the season started, few expected the Pacers to be here. In an NBA landscape dominated by the usual juggernauts — Boston, Denver, Milwaukee, and yes, Oklahoma City — Indiana was seen as a talented but not-yet-ready team. That narrative has completely evaporated.
Tyrese Haliburton, the 24-year-old maestro of Indiana’s offense, has blossomed into one of the league’s most dangerous floor generals. In Game 3, Haliburton delivered yet another masterclass: 28 points, 13 assists, and ice-cold decision-making down the stretch that left the Thunder scrambling. His combination of court vision, patience, and lethal scoring touch is redefining what it means to be a modern NBA point guard.
Right beside him is Bennedict Mathurin, the second-year swingman who is growing up before our very eyes. With 25 points and relentless perimeter defense, Mathurin’s two-way dominance is quickly turning him into one of the league’s most complete young wings. His confidence is palpable, his fearlessness contagious, and the Pacers are feeding off his energy.
The Thunder Caught Off Guard
Credit must still be given to the Thunder — this is not a team that’s easy to beat, especially with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. But in Game 3, Oklahoma City looked unusually disjointed. Shai’s 32-point effort wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s defensive schemes, and his supporting cast struggled to find rhythm.
Chet Holmgren, who has been a defensive force all postseason, found himself in foul trouble early and was a non-factor offensively. Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey combined for just 21 points, and the Thunder’s bench was outscored 37–18 — a stat that loomed large as the game wore on.
Indiana’s aggressive switching defense seemed to rattle OKC’s normally fluid offense. Every pick-and-roll was met with double-teams. Every passing lane closed faster than expected. And when the Thunder did manage to create open shots, they simply couldn’t convert at their usual high clip.
Coaching Masterclass by Carlisle
Let’s not forget to mention the man behind the strategy: Rick Carlisle. The veteran head coach has been masterful in this series, tailoring his rotations and game plan to neutralize Oklahoma City’s strengths while unleashing his young stars at exactly the right moments.
Carlisle’s ability to adjust mid-series — particularly his defensive adjustments after Game 1 — has shifted the balance of power in these Finals. Indiana’s defensive rotations have tightened. Their transition game is lethal. And Haliburton has been given complete control to orchestrate the offense with surgical precision.
The Pacers’ Bench Advantage
Beyond the stars, Indiana’s depth is quietly becoming the story of the Finals. Obi Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, and Isaiah Jackson continue to provide crucial minutes. In Game 3, it was Toppin’s energy that swung momentum in Indiana’s favor midway through the third quarter with a highlight-reel dunk and back-to-back steals that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Every time Oklahoma City made a run, Indiana’s bench responded. That resilience is becoming a defining characteristic of this Finals series.
Social Media Ignites: “New Kings of the East?”
As the final buzzer sounded in Game 3, social media exploded.
“HALIBURTON IS HIM,” tweeted multiple NBA personalities, while memes of Mathurin dunking on Thunder defenders spread like wildfire. Hashtags like #PacersRise, #NextGenNBA, and #HaliburtonMasterclass were trending within minutes.
NBA Twitter debates are already running wild: Are we witnessing the beginning of an Indiana dynasty? Could the Pacers be the Eastern Conference’s next long-term power? Is Haliburton officially top-five?
These aren’t overreactions — these are legitimate conversations fueled by what Indiana is accomplishing right now.
What Comes Next
Of course, no one should count out the Thunder just yet. This young OKC squad has been resilient all season. Gilgeous-Alexander remains a game-breaking superstar capable of flipping any series on his own. Holmgren is due for a bounce-back performance, and Coach Mark Daigneault will surely make adjustments heading into Game 4.
But the momentum now firmly belongs to Indiana. Game 4 back in Indianapolis is shaping up to be a potential series-defining contest. If the Pacers can defend home court again and go up 3–1, they will be just one win away from one of the most shocking NBA titles in recent memory.
The Bigger Picture
In many ways, this series is a glimpse into the future of the NBA. Two young, homegrown rosters filled with ascending stars are battling on the game’s biggest stage. The era of LeBron, Steph, KD, and Giannis dominating every Finals is fading. The Haliburton vs. Gilgeous-Alexander rivalry might be the league’s next great duel for years to come.
For fans, it’s pure entertainment. For analysts, it’s a shift in the power structure. For the league, it’s a golden storyline that will drive engagement for months.
Final Word:
Whether you’re a die-hard Pacers fan, a Thunder loyalist, or simply a basketball lover — this Finals has delivered an electric mix of youth, strategy, and unpredictability. And if Game 3 was any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable finish.
Stay locked in, because the 2025 NBA Finals just got very, very real.
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