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Episode Description
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want to hear daily OKC Thunder news. If they played a game then give me the highlights.
Episode Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports and your daily dose of thunder with "OKC Thunder Strikes Daily"! I'm Dillon, your host, and today, we're diving into the excitement and drama of last night's showdown in the NBA Finals where the Thunder took on the Indiana Pacers in Game 3. Let’s hit the hardwood!
The Oklahoma City Thunder were in Indianapolis yesterday facing a pivotal battle, but unfortunately stumbled, falling to the Pacers 116-107. The series now sits at 2-1 in favor of the Pacers. Not the position the Thunder wanted, but hey, it's not over yet. Let me take you through the ups and downs of this game.
Things kicked off firing for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren came out swinging in the first quarter, racking up 13 points, painting a picture of dominance for the OKC squad. And let's not forget Luguentz Dort, dropping all three of his 3-pointers within those first 12 minutes, helping the Thunder establish a strong 32-24 lead. The first quarter certainly had OKC fans on the edge of their seats with excitement.
But basketball is a game of four quarters, isn't it? The Pacers found their groove, particularly in the second, challenging OKC with a deep bench performance. Bennedict Mathurin led the charge with 27 points, effortlessly slicing through the Thunder's defense. I mean, 14 points in just the second quarter from Mathurin? That’s what igniting a spark looks like.
Into the fourth quarter with the Thunder clinging to an 89-84 lead, things took a turn. The Pacers cranked up the intensity defensively and their bench just didn’t let up. A decisive 12-0 run, spearheaded by Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin, shifted momentum clearly to the Pacers' side.
Speaking of standout players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battled through relentless defensive pressure, yet still managed 24 points. He's been a rock for OKC, but with Ryan Nembhard shadowing him all game, it was a grind.
And now, it’s time for our 'Big Dill' moment of the game. Today’s 'Big Dill' has to be Bennedict Mathurin. The way he led the Pacers with precision and flair, turning any slim Thunder lead into just another hill to climb. His energy and efficiency off the bench were instrumental in getting the Pacers over the line.
On our Thunder side, Jalen Williams added 26 points, showing promise and skill, but turnovers hurt the team, tallying a playoff-high 19. Coach Mark Daigneault summed it up, saying, “One too many mistakes and possessions where they were tied to their identity more than we were.” His focus now? Reviving the team’s core identity for Game 4.
And speaking of Game 4, it's just around the corner this Friday, still in Indianapolis. The Thunder find themselves in a familiar spot—down 2-1 in a series, much like they were against Denver. Will history repeat itself with another comeback? Keep those Thunder spirits high!
That's it for today on Big Dill Sports. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there's no telling what's next in this electrifying series. The Thunder's resilience has been tested, but there's plenty of fire left in OKC. Join me next time as we continue to break down every thrilling moment. As always, keep your chin up, because sometimes the storm's just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you on the flip side. Remember, every day is a day closer to another Thunder win. Stay hyped, Thunder faithful!
Supporting Data
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Indiana Pacers 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Indianapolis. The Pacers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
**Game Highlights:**
The Thunder started the game strong, controlling the first and third quarters. Chet Holmgren had a dominant start, scoring 13 points in the first 12 minutes, helping OKC to a 32-24 lead after the first quarter. Luguentz Dort also contributed significantly in the first quarter, hitting all three of his 3-point attempts for nine points.
However, the Pacers outpaced the Thunder in the second and fourth quarters. Indiana's bench played a crucial role, outscoring the Thunder's reserves 49-18. Pacers' reserve Bennedict Mathurin had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 27 points, including 14 in the second quarter. The Pacers capitalized on the Thunder's playoff-high 19 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.
Despite entering the fourth quarter with an 89-84 lead, the Thunder struggled to maintain their advantage as the Pacers increased their defensive pressure and received key contributions from their bench. A 12-0 run by the Pacers in the fourth quarter, fueled by a Tyrese Haliburton three-pointer and an emphatic dunk from Obi Toppin, shifted the momentum decidedly in Indiana's favor.
**Player Statistics:**
* **OKC Thunder:**
* Jalen Williams: 26 points.
* Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 24 points (9-for-20 shooting), 8 rebounds, 4 assists. He faced intense defensive pressure throughout the game.
* Chet Holmgren: 20 points.
* **Indiana Pacers:**
* Bennedict Mathurin: 27 points (9-for-12 shooting).
* Tyrese Haliburton: 22 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds.
* Pascal Siakam: 21 points (8-for-14 shooting).
* T.J. McConnell: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists (off the bench).
**Post-Game Reactions:**
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "Obviously those are costly plays... we just made one too many mistakes and had one too many possessions on both ends of the floor where they were more tied to their identity than we were.” He also noted it was an "uncharacteristic night in a lot of ways for us" and emphasized the need to "tap back into being who we are in Game 4."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced significant defensive pressure, with Pacers guard Ryan Nembhard picking him up full-court from the start. Despite this, he managed 24 points.
**Series Outlook:**
The Thunder find themselves in a familiar 2-1 deficit, similar to their Western Conference semifinal series against Denver, which they eventually won. Game 4 will be played in Indianapolis on Friday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. EDT).
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