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Indiana Pacers Seize NBA Finals Lead After Game 3 Victory
Indianapolis, IN – In a thrilling Game 3 showdown, the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 116-107. this victory propels the Pacers to a 2-1 lead in the highly contested NBA Finals.A standout performance from their bench players and enhanced play from key starters fueled Indiana’s success.
Mathurin’s Historic Performance
Bennedict Mathurin delivered a game-high 27 points off the bench, marking the most points scored by a reserve player in an NBA Finals game since Jason Terry’s performance in 2011.T.J. mcconnell contributed substantially with five steals, spearheading a dominant performance where the Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s reserves 49-18.
Key Players Step Up
Tyrese Haliburton showcased his all-around talent with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, further solidifying the Pacers’ offensive firepower. This collective effort allowed indiana to take control of the series against the favored Oklahoma City Thunder.
Coach Carlisle’s Viewpoint
“This is the kind of team that we are,” Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle stated. “We need everybody to be ready. It’s not always going to be exactly the same guys that are stepping up with scoring and stuff like that, but this is how we got to do it. We got to do it as a team.”
Series Control for Indiana
Securing Game 3 has significantly boosted the Pacers’ chances. Historically, teams winning Game 3 after a 1-1 tie in the NBA Finals have gone on to win the series 80.5% of the time. Indiana remains undefeated after a loss in the 2025 postseason, boasting a 5-0 record. The Pacers haven’t experienced back-to-back losses since March 8 and 10.
Game 4 is scheduled for friday night in Indianapolis.
Mathurin Joins Elite company
Mathurin’s notable performance places him among NBA legends. He is now the sixth player since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976-77 to score 25 or more points in an NBA Finals game at age 22 or younger. He joins the ranks of Kawhi Leonard, Lebron James, Tony Parker, kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson.
“He did a great job of coming off handoffs, reading the pocket, rising up from the midrange,” Haliburton said. “This is a defense that will give that up.”
McConnell’s unprecedented Stats
McConnell’s contribution extended beyond scoring, as he also tallied 10 points and five assists, coupled with five steals – a combination of stats never before seen in an NBA Finals game.
“That’s the great thing about the Finals, great thing about basketball,” Haliburton said. “When you have a team with this much depth, it can be anybody’s night.”
Mathurin’s Preparation
despite limited playing time in the first two games, Mathurin dedicated extra effort to prepare for Game 3.”Just staying ready,” Mathurin said. “Whenever my number is called, go into the game and do the right things and try to help my team win. That’s the whole mindset.”
Overcoming Adversity
The Pacers have recognized Mathurin’s potential as drafting him as the No. 6 pick in 2022, especially after a torn labrum sidelined him in March 2024. This injury prevented him from participating in the Pacers’ Eastern Conference finals run last year. According to Haliburton, the team had emphasized the importance of Mathurin in the rotation this season.
“As much as I was out last year, not being able to play, I learned a lot,” Mathurin said.”Just being on the bench and being next to the coaches who
