INDIANAPOLIS – With the starters fading and the game hanging in the balance, it was Indiana’s bench that swung the biggest game of the season. Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell turned Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a madhouse, fueling a dominant fourth quarter as the Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The victory gives Indiana a 2-1 series lead, putting them two wins away from their first championship in franchise history.
Bench Mob Takes Over
While stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam provided steady production, it was Indiana’s reserves who tilted the game in the final period. Mathurin exploded for 27 points off the bench, attacking the rim with relentless aggression and knocking down key shots. McConnell, the veteran sparkplug, was everywhere—diving for loose balls, snatching steals (five total), and dishing out timely assists (five).
Together, they spearheaded a 32-18 fourth-quarter blitz, flipping a five-point deficit into a commanding win. The Pacers’ bench outscored Oklahoma City’s 49-18, a staggering disparity in a game of this magnitude.
“We just had guys make play after play,” Haliburton said. “Our bench was amazing.”
Thunder Falter Late
Oklahoma City entered the fourth quarter with an 89-84 lead, but their offense stalled when it mattered most. The Thunder shot just 35.3% in the final frame, went 0-for-4 from three, and committed five turnovers.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 26 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds but struggled from deep (0-for-6 on threes).
The Thunder’s inability to contain Indiana’s second unit proved costly.
Turning Points
- McConnell’s Hustle Play: With the game tied at 95 early in the fourth, McConnell intercepted an Alex Caruso inbound pass under the basket and converted a layup. On the next possession, he found Mathurin for a corner three, giving Indiana a lead they would never relinquish.
- Haliburton’s Clutch Return: After a brief rest, Haliburton re-entered and immediately drilled a three to extend the lead to 101-98. From there, the Pacers unleashed a 22-8 run, with contributions from Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith.
- Defensive Stands: Myles Turner redeemed himself after a late turnover by blocking Holmgren twice in the final minutes. Siakam then delivered the dagger with a driving layup to put Indiana up 112-104 with 1:09 left.
Key Stats
- Indiana’s Bench: 49 points (Mathurin 27, McConnell 10, Toppin 8)
- OKC’s Fourth Quarter: 18 points, 0 threes, 5 turnovers
- Haliburton’s Near-Triple-Double: 22 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds
- Siakam’s Steady Hand: 21 points, including the game-sealing bucket
Historical Implications
The Pacers improved to 10-0 in games following a loss since mid-March, showcasing their resilience. More importantly, teams that win Game 3 of a tied NBA Finals have gone on to win the championship 80.5% of the time.
What’s Next?
Game 4 is set for Friday night in Indianapolis. If the Pacers win, they’ll take a commanding 3-1 series lead. For the Thunder, adjustments are needed—particularly in containing Indiana’s bench and executing in crunch time.
“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton said. And in a game this big, that’s exactly what Indiana needed.
Final Score: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
Series: Pacers lead 2-1
Next Game: Game 4 – Friday, May 31, Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Who will take control of the series? Tune in Friday to find out.
