The Oklahoma City Thunder’s loss in Game 3 of the NBA Finals has cost hip‑hop mogul Jay‑Z a staggering $1 million. He placed the bet through Fanatics Sportsbook, wagering that the Thunder would clinch the title in exactly five games. That once‑promising prediction evaporated on Wednesday night, June 11, as the Indiana Pacers downed OKC 116–107 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
A Bold Wager That Backfired
Jay‑Z’s bet was as confident as it was audacious. As an investor in Fanatics, he put up seven figures on the Thunder to win in five—an outcome that would have paid out $2.3 million on top of his stake. The wager was reported by Fanatics on June 5 and immediately grabbed headlines.
After Game 1’s crushing defeat by a buzzer‑beater and OKC’s rebound in Game 2, the scenario still looked plausible. But Game 3’s result rendered the wager impossible: the Pacers secured a 2–1 series lead, guaranteeing at least six games in the Finals.
Pacers’ Victory Crushes the Bet
Indiana outplayed Oklahoma City during Game 3’s crucial moments. Fortune favored the Pacers as they pressed full court in the fourth quarter and pounced on turnovers . The outcome not only sealed Jay‑Z’s loss, but it also showcased Indiana’s strategic edge. New York Post noted Coach Rick Carlisle’s “full‑court defense and fast‑paced offense” drained the Thunder late in the game.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the Thunder’s 2025 NBA MVP, acknowledged the Pacers’ intensity after the loss. “They were aggressive,” SGA said. “They really were, like the coach said, more aggressive, more forceful.” He added, “It starts with me, but we gotta apply that pressure back.”
Gilgeous‑Alexander stressed that the team must learn, recover and improve before Friday’s Game 4.
Big Money, Bigger Implications
Jay‑Z is no stranger to high‑stakes decisions. He invested $350 million in Fanatics in 2021, building a bridge between his entertainment empire and sports betting. Though a $1 million loss won’t hurt his billionaire coffers, this outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of betting—even when backing “sure things.”
Despite being an underdog, the Pacers now hold a psychological edge. Oddsmakers still favor the Thunder—OKC enters Game 4 at around −230, with Indiana +190. But momentum matters in this series.
Game 4 tips off Friday, June 13, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Thunder will attempt to shake off their fourth‑quarter collapse. The Pacers, meanwhile, aim to crush the favored Thunder’s resolve and continue their improbable run.