{"id":3321,"date":"2025-06-21T07:34:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T11:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/tyrese-haliburton-channels-steph-curry-vibes-in-thrilling-nba-finals-game-3-victory\/"},"modified":"2025-06-21T07:34:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T11:34:04","slug":"tyrese-haliburton-channels-steph-curry-vibes-in-thrilling-nba-finals-game-3-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/tyrese-haliburton-channels-steph-curry-vibes-in-thrilling-nba-finals-game-3-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"Tyrese Haliburton Channels Steph Curry Vibes in Thrilling NBA Finals Game 3 Victory"},"content":{"rendered":"
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INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 After grappling with the Oklahoma City defense through two tough games, Tyrese Haliburton turned to his laptop for some inspiration. He studied the play of Stephen Curry, an NBA icon known for his ability to navigate intense physical defenses. Early in the week, Haliburton’s coach Drew Hanlen sent him a compilation of Curry\u2019s playoff performances from the past decade, showcasing his prowess against teams from San Antonio to Boston. Inspired by Curry, Haliburton hoped to elevate his game in his first NBA Finals appearance.<\/p>\n

Curry’s memorable performances in the Finals are well-documented, and in Game 3, it was Haliburton\u2019s turn to shine. He ended the game with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Leading up to the game, there was a loud chorus urging Haliburton to assert himself sooner rather than later. Responding to the calls, he scored 12 points in the first half and added another seven in the third quarter. In the final quarter, as Bennedict Mathurin stepped up, Haliburton contributed three crucial assists, helping the Pacers secure a 116\u2013107 victory over the Thunder and a 2\u20131 lead in the series.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were necessary adjustments I had to make today, and I think I managed them well,\u201d Haliburton remarked.<\/p>\n

Coach Rick Carlisle commented, \u201cHis approach tonight was precisely what we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

As June progresses, the Pacers continue to defy expectations. Despite splitting the initial games in Oklahoma City and needing a dramatic comeback to win Game 1, they were not overwhelmed by the Thunder as many had anticipated. Now, they are just two victories away from clinching their first NBA championship. They started Game 3 trailing 15\u20136, but a timeout pep talk from Carlisle to shake off the nerves proved effective, according to Haliburton.<\/p>\n

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Recognizing the need to support Haliburton, the Pacers saw vital contributions from their bench in Game 3. The Thunder\u2019s reserves had outplayed them in Game 2, but players like Mathurin, who scored 27 points, and T.J. McConnell, who added 10 points and five steals, stepped up significantly. Carlisle\u2019s decision to tighten his rotation paid off as each player delivered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis embodies our team spirit,\u201d said Carlisle. \u201cWe need everyone ready to play. It\u2019s a collective effort, and we have to make it as challenging as possible for our opponents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mathurin, sidelined by a shoulder injury during last year\u2019s playoff run, spent those days in the training room with a tearaway calendar, marking time until his return. \u201cI don\u2019t just like playing basketball, I love it,\u201d Mathurin said. \u201cBeing unable to play was tough, but now I\u2019m back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now active, McConnell has made a significant impact off the bench. His performance in Game 3 included swiping three passes and scoring six points in the second quarter alone. His defensive efforts helped limit the scoring of Cason Wallace to seven points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 24. McConnell consistently stepped up to make critical plays when needed.<\/p>\n

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