The 3rd game in a best of seven series is often referred to as the “swing” game, because no matter the situation (whether the home team took both home games or dropped one), this is the one that often sets the tone for what’s to come.

Anticipation is building ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, set for tomorrow at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the series level at 1–1, this game is widely seen as pivotal—and there’s no shortage of intrigue.

Indiana claimed Game 1 in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a buzzer-beating winner from Tyrese Haliburton. OKC responded in Game 2 with authority, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points to lead a statement win. With momentum split and both sides showing flashes of dominance, Game 3 is now set up as a tone-setter for the rest of the series.

Adding to the occasion, this will be the Pacers’ first home Finals game in 25 years. Basketball runs deep in Indiana, and the energy around “Hoosier Hysteria” is at a fever pitch. A sold-out crowd will be ready to lift the home side as they chase the franchise’s first-ever championship.

Stylistically, the series features a compelling clash—Indiana’s fast-paced, pass-heavy offense versus Oklahoma City’s suffocating defense and elite shot creation. It’s a battle of identities, and so far, neither has backed down.

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At the center are two rising stars: Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 36 points through two games and playing like a Finals MVP frontrunner, and Haliburton, who—despite a nagging injury—continues to orchestrate Indiana’s offense with poise and confidence.

At the center are two rising stars: Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 36 points through two games and playing like a Finals MVP frontrunner, and Haliburton, who—despite a nagging injury—continues to orchestrate Indiana’s offense with poise and confidence.

Both teams are chasing history. The Pacers, a 50-win fourth seed, have already defied expectations. The Thunder, owners of the league’s best regular-season record at 68–14, are aiming to cap their breakout year with a title.

Game 3 isn’t just a swing game—it may define the series. And everyone knows it.