The 2025 NBA Finals are heating up as they head to Indianapolis for Game 3—a momentous occasion for the city, marking 25 years since it last hosted a Finals game. Way back on June 16, 2000, Indiana delivered a stunning blow to the Los Angeles Lakers, winning Game 5 decisively. However, despite this victory, the Lakers ultimately captured the championship, showcasing their dominance.

Fast forward to the current series where the Oklahoma City Thunder, who outperformed the Pacers in the regular season, will look to regain control after Indiana's exciting Game 1 upset. The Pacers must channel the energy of their home crowd to reclaim the momentum in these pivotal Finals.

1. Pacers Must Capitalize During SGA's Breaks

The key for Indiana lies in exploiting moments when Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench. Known for their robust analytics, especially regarding player impact, it’s crucial for Indiana to flip the script. During Game 1, they outscored OKC while SGA rested, and they must replicate that success in Game 3 if they hope to win those crucial minutes.

2. Haliburton Needs to Dominate

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance will be pivotal for the Pacers. Despite being a pass-first guard, he must become more aggressive in scoring. With his playoff statistics showing a significant correlation between points scored and Indiana's success, fans can expect the young star to step up significantly if the Pacers want to tilt the series back in their favor.

3. Holmgren's Versatile Defense

Chet Holmgren shone defensively in Game 2, providing much more than just scoring. His ability to effectively guard both bigs and smaller players gives the Thunder a critical advantage on defense and is vital for neutralizing the Pacers' offensive plays.

4. Whistle Watch: Factors That Could Change

Refs can sway the tide of a game, and many Pacers fans are already grumbling about disparities in foul calls. Indiana must leverage its home court to advocate for more equitable officiating in Game 3. The numbers hint at a significant misalignment—Oklahoma City has taken many more free throws than the Pacers. A more balanced approach on calls could be the edge Indiana needs.

As the Pacers gear up to harness the energy of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, eyes will be glued to the court this Wednesday at 8:30 ET on ABC. Will Indiana make a formidable stand, or will the Thunder reclaim their dominance? The stakes couldn’t be higher.