The Oklahoma City Thunder fell 116-107 to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, dropping to a 2-1 series deficit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 24 points, opened up in his postgame press conference about the Thunder’s fourth-quarter collapse and the Pacers’ relentless pressure.
“They were aggressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Indiana’s defense. “They were higher on the pick and rolls, more forceful.”
The Thunder led by five entering the fourth but scored just 18 points in the final frame. “They were heavy in the crowd,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted. “It felt like we were going against a set defense.”
Indiana’s bench, led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 27 points, outscored OKC’s reserves 49-18. “They won all the 50-50 plays,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They executed on both ends.”
T.J. McConnell’s three inbound steals stung OKC. “Those plays hurt,” Gilgeous-Alexander admitted. “They’re controllable, but we made mistakes.”
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Indiana’s defensive adjustment. “They were above the screen tonight,” he said. “We needed to be more aggressive setting up the pick and roll.”
The Thunder shot 35% in the fourth, with Gilgeous-Alexander taking only three shots. “I had good looks I usually make,” he said. “But I could’ve been more aggressive.”
Despite six turnovers, Gilgeous-Alexander took accountability. “It starts with me,” he said. “We got to apply that pressure back.”
Looking ahead to Game 4 on Friday, Gilgeous-Alexander focused on growth. “Learn from mistakes, rest, recover,” he said. “Be a better team next game.”
The Pacers’ fourth-quarter surge, fueled by Obi Toppin’s putback dunk and McConnell’s steals, shifted momentum. “The crowd’s behind them,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We got to take care of those things.”
OKC’s regular-season dominance (61-2 when leading after three) faltered, as they’re now 1-2 in such spots this series. Historical data favors Indiana—Game 3 winners after a 1-1 Finals split win the title 80.5% of the time.
Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized film study. “We’ll have a better idea after watching film,” he said. “We need to be tighter, more focused.”
