Pacers vs. Thunder: Epic NBA Finals Player Stats Breakdown

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indiana pacers vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats

The 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder was nothing short of a basketball spectacle. As a lifelong hoops fan who’s spent countless nights courtside and glued to the TV for every playoff run, I can tell you this series was a rollercoaster of emotions, clutch performances, and jaw-dropping stats. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level dominance to Pascal Siakam’s relentless hustle, the player stats tell a story of grit, skill, and heart. Let’s dive into the numbers, moments, and magic of this unforgettable matchup, breaking it down game by game with insights that bring the court to life.

Table of Contents

Why This Series Was Special

The Pacers and Thunder weren’t just playing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy; they were battling for legacy. Indiana, known for their comeback heroics, faced a Thunder squad that dominated the regular season with a 68-14 record. The stats from this series, especially from Games 1 through 7, reveal how both teams pushed each other to the brink. As someone who’s followed the Pacers since the Reggie Miller days and marveled at OKC’s rise from Seattle’s shadow, I felt the weight of every possession. Let’s explore the player performances that defined this epic clash.

Game-by-Game Player Stats Breakdown

Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110 (June 5, 2025)

The series kicked off in Oklahoma City with a nail-biter. The Thunder jumped out to an early lead, but Indiana’s never-say-die attitude shone through. Tyrese Haliburton, despite nursing a calf injury later in the series, was a maestro, dropping 22 points and nearly securing a triple-double with 9 assists and 8 rebounds. His go-ahead bucket in the final seconds stole home-court advantage. Pascal Siakam added 18 points and 11 rebounds, showing his two-way prowess.

For OKC, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) was electric, scoring 34 points with 8 assists. His ability to glide past defenders was a sight to behold, but Indiana’s defense forced just enough turnovers to make a difference. Jalen Williams chipped in 20 points, but the Thunder’s late-game execution faltered. This game set the tone: no lead was safe.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Haliburton (22 PTS, 9 AST), Siakam (18 PTS, 11 REB), T.J. McConnell (10 PTS off the bench)
Thunder: SGA (34 PTS, 8 AST), Williams (20 PTS), Isaiah Hartenstein (10 REB)

Game 2: Thunder 123, Pacers 107 (June 8, 2025)

OKC bounced back with authority. SGA continued his scoring clinic with 34 points, while Jalen Williams added 24. The Thunder’s defense, which led the league in forcing turnovers, was suffocating, turning Pacers’ mistakes into fast-break points. Isaiah Hartenstein’s 13 rebounds and Chet Holmgren’s rim protection (3 blocks) anchored the paint.

Indiana struggled to find rhythm. Siakam led with 20 points, but Haliburton was held to 15, and the bench couldn’t match OKC’s energy. As a fan, I winced watching Indiana’s turnovers pile up, knowing their fast-paced style thrives on clean play. The Thunder’s 67-53 second-half dominance showed why they were favorites.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Siakam (20 PTS), Haliburton (15 PTS), Myles Turner (12 PTS, 2 BLK)
Thunder: SGA (34 PTS), Williams (24 PTS), Hartenstein (13 REB), Holmgren (3 BLK)

Game 3: Pacers 116, Thunder 107 (June 11, 2025)

Back in Indianapolis, the Pacers fed off the home crowd’s energy. Bennedict Mathurin erupted for a playoff-career-high 27 points, including a clutch 24-foot three-pointer assisted by T.J. McConnell. Haliburton, playing through pain, added 22 points and 10 assists. McConnell’s 11 points off the bench were pure hustle, reminding me of those gritty Pacers teams from the early 2000s.

OKC’s SGA was relentless with 31 points, but his 5 turnovers hurt. Jalen Williams scored 18, but the Thunder’s supporting cast, like Luguentz Dort, struggled (2-for-8 from the field). Indiana’s 48 three-point attempts (18 made) kept OKC’s defense scrambling, a stat that defined their series strategy.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Mathurin (27 PTS), Haliburton (22 PTS, 10 AST), McConnell (11 PTS)
Thunder: SGA (31 PTS, 5 TO), Williams (18 PTS), Dort (8 PTS)

Game 4: Thunder 111, Pacers 104 (June 13, 2025)

The Thunder responded in a must-win game. SGA orchestrated a fourth-quarter comeback, finishing with 33 points and 10 assists. His ability to attack the rim and draw fouls (10-for-11 from the line) was masterful. Jalen Williams added 22 points, and Alex Caruso’s defensive tenacity (3 steals) disrupted Indiana’s flow.

For the Pacers, Siakam led with 24 points, but Haliburton’s calf injury limited his explosiveness (12 points). Myles Turner’s 4 blocks were a highlight, but OKC’s late-game poise prevailed. Watching this game, I felt the momentum swinging back to OKC, their depth shining through.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Siakam (24 PTS), Turner (14 PTS, 4 BLK), Haliburton (12 PTS)
Thunder: SGA (33 PTS, 10 AST), Williams (22 PTS), Caruso (3 STL)

Game 5: Thunder 120, Pacers 109 (June 16, 2025)

Game 5 was Jalen Williams’ masterpiece. Dropping a playoff-career-high 40 points on 14-of-24 shooting, he was unstoppable. SGA complemented him with 31 points and 10 assists, their 71 combined points a series highlight. The Thunder built an 18-point lead, but Indiana, true to form, clawed back to within two points in the fourth, led by Siakam’s 28 points and McConnell’s 18 off the bench.

As a fan, this game was a gut punch for Pacers supporters. Indiana’s fight was inspiring, but OKC’s stars were too much. The Thunder’s 81-9 record in finals games with 15-point leads underscored their clutch gene.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Siakam (28 PTS), McConnell (18 PTS), Haliburton (10 PTS)
Thunder: Williams (40 PTS), SGA (31 PTS, 10 AST), Holmgren (12 REB)

Game 6: Pacers 108, Thunder 91 (June 19, 2025)

Facing elimination, Indiana delivered a statement. Obi Toppin led with 20 points, and Andrew Nembhard’s 17 points off the bench were electric. Siakam’s 16 points and 13 rebounds, plus Haliburton’s 14 points despite his injury, fueled a 68-32 run after a slow start. The Pacers’ 31-point lead in the third quarter was a testament to their resilience.

OKC’s offense stalled, with SGA held to 25 points and Williams scoring just 16. The Thunder’s starters sat out the fourth, preserving energy for Game 7. Watching Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupt, I felt the Pacers’ heart, a throwback to their 2000 Finals run.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Toppin (20 PTS), Nembhard (17 PTS), Siakam (16 PTS, 13 REB)
Thunder: SGA (25 PTS), Williams (16 PTS), Dort (10 PTS)

Game 7: Thunder 103, Pacers 91 (June 22, 2025)

The finale at Paycom Center was a fitting climax. SGA, crowned Finals MVP, delivered 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, sealing OKC’s first title. Jalen Williams added 18 points, and Dort’s 6-of-7 three-point shooting (22 points) was a dagger. The Thunder’s defense forced 15 Pacers turnovers, converting them into 20 points.

Indiana fought valiantly, with Siakam (20 PTS, 10 REB) and Haliburton (15 PTS, 8 AST) leading the charge. But the Pacers’ early 0-for-8 shooting set them back, and OKC’s depth prevailed. As a fan, I was torn—proud of Indiana’s grit but awed by OKC’s execution.

Key Stats:

Pacers: Siakam (20 PTS, 10 REB), Haliburton (15 PTS, 8 AST), Mathurin (12 PTS)
Thunder: SGA (33 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST), Dort (22 PTS, 6-7 3PT), Williams (18 PTS)

Standout Players and Trends

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Averaged 31.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. His ability to control the tempo and exploit mismatches was MVP-caliber. His 10 assists in Games 4 and 5 were pivotal.
Jalen Williams: Stepped up as a co-star, averaging 22.6 points. His 40-point Game 5 was a career-defining moment, showcasing his versatility.
Luguentz Dort: His 6-for-7 three-point shooting in Game 7 was a surprise, but his defensive tenacity (averaging 2 steals per game) was consistent.

Indiana Pacers

Pascal Siakam: The two-way star averaged 21.3 points and 10.1 rebounds. His clutch free throws and three-pointers in Game 5 nearly flipped the series.
Tyrese Haliburton: Despite injury, averaged 16.3 points and 8.4 assists. His playmaking kept Indiana in games, especially in Game 3.
T.J. McConnell: The bench sparkplug averaged 12.7 points, with 18 in Game 5 and 13 in Game 3’s third quarter alone.

Series Trends

Three-Point Shooting: Indiana attempted 48 more threes than OKC, making 18 more, a key to their competitiveness.
Comebacks: The Pacers’ five 15-point comeback wins in the playoffs, including Game 1, defined their resilience.
Turnovers: OKC’s league-leading defense forced 15+ turnovers in four games, converting them into points.

Personal Reflections and Insights

As someone who’s played pickup ball and coached youth teams, I can’t overstate how inspiring this series was. Watching Haliburton gut it out through injury reminded me of the grit you need to compete at any level. OKC’s teamwork, especially SGA and Williams’ chemistry, felt like watching a perfectly executed fast break in my local gym—everyone moving as one. Indiana’s reliance on three-point shooting mirrored the modern game I see kids emulating today, while OKC’s defensive intensity was a throwback to the gritty teams I grew up watching.

One moment that stuck with me was Game 6, when Siakam’s no-look pass from Haliburton led to a thunderous dunk. The crowd’s roar gave me chills, transporting me back to my first live Pacers game in 2004. OKC’s Game 7 poise, though, showed why preparation and depth win titles—something I try to instill in my young players.

How These Stats Shape the Future

The numbers from this series aren’t just digits; they’re a blueprint. For Indiana, Siakam and Haliburton’s growth signals a bright future, especially if they stay healthy. The Pacers’ three-point volume (averaging 42 attempts per game) aligns with the NBA’s analytics-driven era. OKC, meanwhile, proved that a balanced attack—SGA’s scoring, Williams’ versatility, and Dort’s defense—can topple any opponent. Their 68-14 regular season and 3-2 finals lead (82% win rate historically) cement their dynasty potential.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Who was the Finals MVP?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his 31.4 points and 8.1 assists per game, earned the honors.

How did injuries impact the series?

Haliburton’s calf strain limited his explosiveness, but his playmaking kept Indiana competitive.

What was the turning point?

Jalen Williams’ 40-point Game 5 gave OKC a 3-2 lead, shifting momentum.

Why did Indiana lose Game 7?

Early shooting woes (0-for-8) and OKC’s turnover-forcing defense (15 TOs) were decisive.

Conclusion: A Series for the Ages

The 2025 Pacers-Thunder Finals wasn’t just about stats; it was about heart, hustle, and history. From SGA’s silky drives to Siakam’s relentless boards, every game delivered moments that’ll live in NBA lore. As a fan who’s lived and breathed basketball for decades, I can say this series was a masterclass in what makes the sport special. Whether you’re a Pacers diehard or a Thunder believer, the numbers tell a story of two teams leaving it all on the court.