Shaq knows who'll win OKC vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 3; reveals surprising pick

The Pacers pulled off another wild comeback in Game 1, sealed by a last-second shot from Tyrese Haliburton.

Published on: Jun 11, 2025, 06:14:52 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

After two games of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City, everything has gone pretty much how you’d expect. Just like in their three previous playoff series, the Pacers pulled off another wild comeback in Game 1, sealed by a last-second shot from Tyrese Haliburton.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on NBA TV when asked who he thinks will win Game 3.

Then in Game 2, the Thunder looked like the team they’ve been all season—tough on defense. They held the Pacers to just 107 points. That’s a bad sign for Indiana, which is now 0-5 when it doesn’t score at least 110.

The series now shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday, and the Pacers will try to break another bad pattern. So far in these playoffs, they’re 0-3 in Game 3s.

Also Read: Shaq turning MAGA? NBA legend greets Trump at UFC years after Rihanna Super Bowl row

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on NBA TV when asked who he thinks will win Game 3. He didn’t hesitate: "I am picking the Pacers," he said. Shaq thinks Indiana’s role players—who he likes to call “the others”—will step up at home. He also doubts Oklahoma City’s bench players who played great in Game 2, like Alex Caruso and Andrew Wiggins, will have another big night.

"The others for OKC played well. Now we have a series," O’Neal said.

"I am always big on the others. I always talk about my four championships, but I would never have four without the likes of Big Shot Bob (Horry), Rick Fox, Brian Shaw, Devean George and my favorite other, Mike Penberthy. The others play well at home so I am going to go with Indiana. They’re confident. And when an underdog gets confident, you gotta kill them. .. I am guaranteeing you on the plane, they’re saying, ‘OK, OK, I can’t let Caruso get 20. I can’t let Wiggins get 18.’ That’s all they’re saying, not, ‘Aw, we’ve got to make adjustments.’ That’s what they’re saying."

Game 3 tips off Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch all the latest Sports News, scores, and highlights in one place. Stay updated with real-time coverage of your favorite games and athletes along with Lionel Messi latest updates.