NBA Finals: Pacers Take 2-1 Lead Over Thunder Thanks to Haliburton and Mathurin Brilliance

Ryno Ellis

17 Jun 2025

Sports

Indiana’s Young Stars Shine on the Biggest Stage

If you’d told most fans at the start of this season that the Indiana Pacers would be up 2-1 in the NBA Finals, you’d have gotten some funny looks. But that’s where we are, and it’s not by chance. Tyrese Haliburton has transformed from a promising guard to a full-fledged playoff star, taking command just when the Pacers need it most. His composure, even in the tightest moments, shows a level of confidence that’s impossible to ignore.

Bennedict Mathurin, who entered the Finals with all the usual rookie hype, didn’t take long to prove he’s more than just potential. In Game 2, he wasn’t just filling the stat sheet—his relentless defense on Thunder shooters changed the game’s tempo, and his drives to the basket made Oklahoma City pay for every defensive mistake. By the time Game 3 rolled around, Mathurin looked right at home, hitting key buckets late and hustling on both ends. If you’re the Thunder, you’d have to wonder how to slow down this combination of aggression and poise from Indiana’s backcourt.

The Pacers’ coach Rick Carlisle isn’t a stranger to the Finals spotlight, but he’s putting faith in his young roster. After dropping Game 1, Carlisle said the team needed to “stay loose, stay smart, and punch back.” They listened. Haliburton’s 35 points and Mathurin’s energy swung Game 2. In Game 3, it was all about sharing the load, with Indiana’s bench stepping up and the defense forcing tough shots from the Thunder at just the right moments. The Pacers’ adjustments, especially on their pick-and-roll defense, made life tough for Jalen Williams and even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’d carried Oklahoma City earlier in the series.

Thunder Scramble for Answers as Series Heats Up

Oklahoma City looked steady after winning the opener, but in the past two games, their cracks have started to show. Perimeter defense, once a Thunder strength, suddenly looks shaky. Haliburton has been able to pick them apart in the half-court, and Indiana’s shooters are getting just a bit too much space. Even in transition, where the Thunder usually punish mistakes, Indiana is sprinting back and limiting easy looks.

Mark Daigneault, the Thunder’s coach, has thrown different looks at Haliburton—switching defenders, trapping off picks, mixing up coverages—but nothing’s really slowed him down. The Thunder’s stars, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have had their moments. Gilgeous-Alexander’s isolation skills and Williams’ slashing ability kept them close, especially in Game 3, but the supporting cast hasn’t matched Indiana’s energy. The Thunder are still searching for that extra spark off the bench, and the inability to keep Mathurin and the Pacers’ other shooters from getting comfortable is putting them in a tough spot.

Indiana shot over 40% from deep in the last two games, while Oklahoma City’s three-point defense has been one step behind.
The Thunder’s turnovers are suddenly an issue, especially with Haliburton pushing the pace off every miss or mistake.
Both coaches are tweaking rotations, trying to find combinations that work in short bursts.

The series is tilting, and both teams know one stretch of hot shooting or a cold spell could change everything. With the Finals moving deeper, pressure is cranking up. The Pacers want to keep the ball moving and attack early, while the Thunder have to figure out how to tighten their defense and get easier buckets before Indiana’s set defense clamps down.

8 Comments

Kasey DellaPenna
June 17, 2025 AT 20:21

Haliburton is on fire!
Gayleen Lowrie
June 27, 2025 AT 23:41

Seeing the Pacers' backcourt click like this is a testament to the work they put in every day. The way Haliburton reads the defense and finds the open man is impressive. Mathurin's energy on both ends fuels the whole team. It’s clear the coaching staff emphasized balance and confidence.
Wesley Nakamatsu
July 8, 2025 AT 03:01

One cannot overlook the sheer tactical brilliance exhibited by Coach Carlisle, a paragon of American basketball ingenuity. The Pacers, though youthful, display a sophistication that rivals the storied dynasties of our nation’s past. Their execution is a clarion call to the world of the United States' continued dominance.
Tyler Tucker
July 18, 2025 AT 06:21

Wow what a rollercoaster this series turned into. The Thunder tried to adjust but the Pacers just kept pulling the plug. Haliburton’s moves felt like a spotlight on a stage. The drama of it all is unreal.
julia mutambara
July 28, 2025 AT 09:41

The more I watch these games, the more I am convinced that we are witnessing something truly historic for the Indiana franchise. Every time the ball finds Haliburton, you can see a calm confidence radiating from his shoulders, as if he knows exactly what needs to be done. He doesn’t just score; he orchestrates, setting up Mathurin and the rest of the lineup with laser‑precise passes. Mathurin, in turn, answers the call with relentless energy, diving for rebounds, contesting shots, and delivering clutch buckets when the game hangs in the balance. Their synergy feels like a well‑rehearsed dance, each movement complementing the other’s strengths. The bench players have also stepped up, delivering crucial minutes that keep the momentum flowing and prevent the Thunder from finding any rhythm. Defensive adjustments have been especially effective, with several pick‑and‑roll stops that have left Oklahoma City scrambling. The coaching staff’s commitment to a “stay loose, stay smart” mantra appears to be paying dividends, as the team exhibits poise under pressure. Even the most skeptical fans are beginning to see the larger picture: a young roster that has matured beyond its years. The series itself reads like a narrative of growth, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of a championship. As the games continue, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brighter on these emerging stars, and the basketball world will take note. It’s not just about the points on the board; it’s about the intangibles-the belief, the hustle, the collective will to win. We are privileged to witness this moment, and I have no doubt that the final chapters will be remembered for generations. In the end, it’s the love of the game that binds us all, and these players embody that spirit in every pass, shot, and defensive stand.
Nelleke Elston
August 7, 2025 AT 13:01

Sure, it’s nice to hype the youngsters but let’s not pretend the Thunder aren’t still in the mix. They’ve shown flashes that could swing the series if they tighten up. It’s not all Pacers magic.
Shreyas Badiye
August 17, 2025 AT 16:21

OMG guys this seriee is littttt!! I cant even describee how amazzzing Haliburton is ruuning around like a cheetah
Mathurin is like a bulldog on defense, never gving up :)
The bench is super suuper supportive and the fans from IN are cheerin loud! I mean the pojected stats are soooo high, and the bball itself is a dazzle of motion. Sometimes i think the thunder might a have a comeback but the prinicple of dedication wins everytime. What a ride, right??
Jocelyn Garcia
August 27, 2025 AT 19:41

Great points! The energy from the bench really lifts the whole squad, and that assertive defense makes a huge difference. Keep the focus and the work will pay off.