Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder expressed the team’s urgent need to improve after their 116-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, which puts the Thunder down 2-1 in the series. “To win games of this magnitude, at this level, we have to be better,” Holmgren emphasized during his postgame press conference. He pointed out the importance of closing out games, quarters, and possessions, highlighting that success doesn’t merely hinge on the final minutes but requires sustained performance throughout the entire game.
In their playoff match against the Pacers, the Thunder lost a significant 15-point lead and were ahead by nine with under three minutes remaining in Game 1, yet ultimately fell short. This theme continued in Game 3, where Oklahoma City was outscored 32-18 in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers have been exceptional finishers all season, showcasing a remarkable plus-9.7 net rating in the fourth quarter, the second-best in the regular season, and a staggering plus-20.9 in clutch situations. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has proven to be a key player for Indiana, consistently making crucial plays in the clutch.
One challenge for the Thunder has been maintaining their intensity late in games. Despite their success during the regular season, where Oklahoma City logged significantly fewer minutes in clutch situations compared to the Pacers (66 minutes versus Indiana’s 169 minutes), they now face the repercussions of not being battle-tested in close games.
This creates an opportunity for the Thunder to recalibrate their strategy moving forward, ensuring that they capitalize on their earlier leads and learn from these crucial late-game moments. As Holmgren noted, focusing on the entirety of the game will be key to turning the tide in the series. Given the established potential of the Thunder, this experience could serve as a valuable lesson on their path to success.