Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 3 Loss: What Went Wrong and What’s Next
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a disheartening defeat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, leaving them with a 2-1 deficit in the series. According to The Ringer, the Thunder’s performance was a far cry from their usual selves, with numerous mistakes and missteps that ultimately led to their downfall. As noted by The Ringer, "In their most painful defeat of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder looked like their opponents often do: erratic, mistake-prone, tired, and like a team that wouldn’t recognize what they saw if they looked in a mirror."
One of the primary concerns for the Thunder was their turnover rate, which was the highest of the playoffs and second-highest of the entire season. The Ringer reported that "the Thunder submitted their highest turnover rate of the playoffs and second-highest turnover rate of the entire season." Furthermore, their usually reliable defense allowed the Indiana Pacers to score an astonishing 153.8 points per 100 possessions in the second quarter.
The Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had an uncharacteristically poor game, picking up his first foul just eight seconds into the contest. As The Ringer observed, "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the coolest cucumber in basketball, picked up his first foul eight seconds into the game when Andrew Nembhard got under his skin." Gilgeous-Alexander’s frustration was evident throughout the game, and he was seen struggling to operate at his usual pace.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged that his team did not resemble themselves in Game 3, stating, "I thought it was an uncharacteristic night in a lot of ways for us." He credited the Pacers for their physicality and pressure on defense, saying, "I thought they were in character in terms of their physicality, their pressure on defense."
The Pacers’ strategy in Game 3 was to execute their game plan with more force, particularly in their defensive approach. Myles Turner, who had been up to touch defending Gilgeous-Alexander’s pick-and-rolls, played a more aggressive role, which caught the Thunder off guard. As The Ringer noted, "Myles Turner spent the majority of his time in Oklahoma City up to touch defending Gilgeous-Alexander’s pick-and-rolls. In Game 3, he was a little higher than he had been earlier in the series, but it was less a tactical change and more a decision to splash some hostility on a preexisting game plan."
Despite the loss, the Thunder remain optimistic about their chances in the series. Daigneault expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back, stating, "We think we have some solutions. But we got to go out there and do it." The Ringer reported that the Thunder’s adjustments for Game 4 are unlikely to be drastic, with a focus on reducing turnovers and improving their defense.
The Thunder’s talent and size give them an edge in the series, and they are determined to capitalize on their strengths. As The Ringer concluded, "On paper, they’re more talented, have more size, and can deploy a tighter defense. It’s still their series to lose, even as the Pacers defy all forms of conventional wisdom every time they step on a basketball court."
The stage is set for a thrilling Game 4, with the Thunder looking to regroup and reclaim their momentum in the series. Will they be able to overcome their mistakes and emerge victorious, or will the Pacers continue to defy expectations and take a commanding lead in the series?
In the aftermath of the game, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the Thunder’s mistakes, saying, "Those plays hurt, especially because they’re very controllable. You can take your time." He emphasized the importance of learning from their errors and moving forward, stating, "You make mistakes in basketball, no matter the stage. We definitely had opportunities to cover those things up."
The Thunder’s journey in the NBA Finals continues, with their sights set on reclaiming their spot as champions. As The Ringer reported, Michael Pina, a senior staff writer at The Ringer, provides in-depth analysis of the Thunder’s performance and the NBA Finals.
Source: The Ringer – https://www.theringer.com/2025/06/12/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-finals-2025-shai-gilgeous-alexander-game-3
