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NBA Finals Deadlocked 1-1 as Series Shifts to Indianapolis

The Pacers hope a raucous home crowd will fuel adjustments to their offense against Oklahoma City’s stifling defense.

Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images/File Photo
Tyrese Haliburton, second from left, celebrates with teammates after forcing overtime on a 2-point buzzer-beater in Game 1.
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Overview

  • Game 3 tips off Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, hosting its first NBA Finals game since 2000.
  • Tyrese Haliburton, who battled a lower-leg issue and limped after Game 2, practiced without restrictions and is set to play.
  • The Thunder have outscored the Pacers by 20 points in the paint through two games, using versatile defenders to pressure Indiana’s stars.
  • MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has poured in 72 points across the first two games, the most ever in a Finals debut’s opening pair.
  • Coach Rick Carlisle plans quicker offensive sets to counter OKC’s defensive schemes and leverage the home-court energy.