The Athletic NBA Daily: Pacers Bench Drives Game 3 Win, Indy Takes 2-1 Lead

Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Episode Title: Pacers Bench Drives Game 3 Win, Indy Takes 2-1 Lead

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve into the thrilling Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the Indiana Pacers secured a decisive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking a 2-1 series lead. The discussion encompasses game breakdowns, key performances, strategic insights, and anticipations for the upcoming Game 4.

Game 3 Overview

Dave DuFour opens the discussion with enthusiasm about the high-paced nature of Game 3, describing it as "one of the best games of the playoffs" (02:00). He emphasizes the lack of three-pointers and the aggressive paint attacks by both teams, highlighting the game's strategic depth.

Bench Contributions

The Pacers' bench emerged as the unsung heroes of the night. DuFour points out the pivotal role played by TJ McConnell, Ben Mahn, and Obi Toppin in the second quarter, where the bench collectively scored 40 points while limiting the Thunder to just 28 points.

Esfandiar Baraheni adds, "Energy is a really big cliché to bring here, but I think one of the most important parts about what both TJ McConnell and Ben Mahn do incredibly well for the Pacers is getting into the paint and driving the basketball" (04:42).

Zena Keita highlights McConnell’s performance, noting his efficiency from the free-throw line: "McConnell was getting fouled as well with 4 for 4 in that quarter from the free throw line" (05:50).

Defensive Strategies

Indiana's defensive prowess was on full display. DuFour remarks, "The Thunder looked exhausted by the fourth quarter... they were clearly trying to wear them down" (07:04). The Pacers employed aggressive defensive tactics, with players like Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nemhart accumulating 11 fouls between them, effectively disrupting Oklahoma City's rhythm.

Baraheni commends Rick Carlisle’s coaching: "Credit to Rick Carlisle again, because he's just finding the right buttons to push for the team defensively" (07:55). The Pacers’ ability to force turnovers, particularly from key Thunder players SGA and Jalen Williams, was a critical factor in their victory.

Key Players Analysis

Tyrese Halliburton received special attention for his dual impact on both ends of the floor. Zena Keita observes, "I want to give a lot of credit to Tyrese Halliburton for the energy, because I feel as if he was dictating that energy" (09:00). His defensive plays, including a crucial block on Jalen Williams, set the tone for the Pacers' intensified defense.

However, concerns were raised about Halliburton’s offensive consistency. DuFour states, "We've talked quite a bit about, you know, one game to the next with Halliburton. You never know what you're going to get" (10:13). Keita responds by emphasizing his evolving offensive role: "Once he got that first shot off, you started to see him pick up and it was like, yes, okay, he's going to try some more things" (11:55).

Turnover Impact

Turnovers were a significant issue for the Thunder, contributing to their loss. DuFour notes, "The reason the Thunder lost this game isn't because of the big three not scoring. It's the turnovers" (13:35). Baraheni adds, "You've only had more turnovers than tonight once in the regular season" (13:56), highlighting the uncharacteristic nature of Oklahoma City's ball-handling struggles.

The Pacers capitalized on these turnovers, with key players like SGA forcing six turnovers and Jalen Williams contributing four. This defensive efficiency not only stifled the Thunder's offense but also provided the Pacers with additional scoring opportunities.

Predictions for Game 4

As the series progresses to Game 4 with a short two-day turnaround, the hosts speculate on the potential outcomes:

• DuFour expresses uncertainty, "My expectations are all over the place for this next game. I mean, the Thunder obviously coming off a loss... I don't know" (20:48).

• Baraheni discusses the Thunder's youth and resilience, suggesting that the short break might benefit them: "They are a wildly young team, like they should be" (21:18).

• Keita anticipates strategic adjustments by the Pacers, "I think that they're going to learn that lesson from that series and say let's take care of OKC because we have all the momentum right now" (23:29).

The consensus leans towards a competitive Game 4, with the Pacers holding momentum but the Thunder possessing the potential to rebound.

Closing Remarks

In a candid moment, Zena Keita admits underestimating the Pacers' capabilities: "We were wrong. We doubted their ability... My bad, Indiana. I did not give y'all enough credit" (27:35). DuFour wraps up the discussion by expressing hope for a closely contested series, stating, "I'm gonna say that this is gonna go seven. I think it's gonna... I'm rooting for it to go soon" (27:28).

The hosts emphasize the evolving dynamics of the series, acknowledging Rick Carlisle's strategic acumen and the Pacers' defensive transformations. The episode concludes with anticipation for Game 4, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that hallmark the NBA Finals.

Notable Quotes

• Dave DuFour (02:00): "Another great NBA Finals game in the books."
• Esfandiar Baraheni (04:42): "Energy is a really big cliché to bring here, but I think one of the most important parts about what both TJ McConnell and Ben Mahn do incredibly well for the Pacers is getting into the paint and driving the basketball."
• Zena Keita (09:00): "I want to give a lot of credit to Tyrese Halliburton for the energy, because I feel as if he was dictating that energy."
• Dave DuFour (13:35): "The reason the Thunder lost this game isn't because of the big three not scoring. It's the turnovers."
• Zena Keita (27:35): "We were wrong. We doubted their ability... My bad, Indiana. I did not give y'all enough credit."

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides an in-depth analysis of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, celebrating the Indiana Pacers' strategic brilliance and bench depth while scrutinizing the Oklahoma City Thunder's challenges. With the series tipping to a 2-1 advantage for Indiana, the hosts keenly anticipate the forthcoming Game 4, promising continued excitement and strategic warfare in the quest for the championship.