Indianapolis Hosts Electric Game 3 as NBA Finals Return After 25 Years

Indianapolis, IN – June 11, 2025 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted with energy Wednesday night as the Indiana Pacers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, marking the city’s first Finals game in a quarter-century. The highly anticipated matchup drew a star-studded crowd, including Pacers legend Reggie Miller and actor Terry Crews, who joined thousands of fans in a citywide celebration.

Pregame festivities overtook downtown, with The Pat McAfee Show energizing fans outside the arena. Streets were packed as supporters awaited tip-off, reflecting the city’s excitement for its first Finals home game since 2000.

Both teams entered Game 3 with the series tied 1-1, heightening the stakes. The Pacers, who captured Game 1 with a dramatic comeback, looked to capitalize on their homecourt advantage, where they’ve posted a 6-2 record this postseason. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, battling a lower leg issue, remained focused in warmups. Haliburton has been clutch throughout the playoffs, but the Thunder’s defense has limited his scoring to 14 and 17 points in the first two Finals games, respectively. His leadership and ability to break through Oklahoma City’s defensive schemes were seen as critical for Indiana’s hopes.

The Thunder, led by 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, entered with momentum after a commanding 123-107 victory in Game 2. Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged an extraordinary 36 points per game in the series, surpassing 3,000 career points in combined regular season and playoff action—a milestone achieved by only a handful of NBA legends. His performance in warmups signaled he was ready for another big night.

Game 3 tipped off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with analysts noting that teams winning Game 3 in a tied Finals series go on to win the championship 80.5% of the time. The Pacers’ raucous home crowd and the Thunder’s road-tested resilience set the stage for a pivotal contest as both teams chase a crucial edge in the best-of-seven series.

The outcome of Game 3 will move one side within two wins of an NBA title, as Indianapolis relishes its return to basketball’s biggest stage.