In a thrilling showdown in Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers reserve guard Bennedict Mathurin showcased his talent, scoring an impressive 27 points off the bench. This performance was a significant factor in the Pacers' victory over the favored Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, with a final score of 116-107. Tyrese Haliburton also contributed with his best game of the series thus far, as the Pacers now prepare for Game 4 at 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
At just 22 years old, Mathurin's journey has taken him from the streets of Montreal to the elite NBA Academy in Mexico, culminating in a pivotal role in the NBA Finals. Having been drafted out of the University of Arizona following two years in San Luis Potosi, Mathurin's resilience is commendable, especially after missing the Pacers’ entire run to the Eastern Conference finals last season due to a torn labrum. His performance on Wednesday, which set a personal playoff career high, included not only scoring but also four rebounds and a block, marking him as the first 20-point scorer for Indiana in the finals.
The Pacers' bench proved to be a crucial asset, outscoring the Thunder's reserves significantly. T.J. McConnell, another key contributor, made history with a 10-point, five-assist, and five-steal game off the bench, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat in NBA Finals history. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, "We need everybody to be ready," highlighting the collective effort that has propelled the Pacers to this stage.
Despite a strong performance from Jalen Williams, who led the Thunder with 26 points, the team faced challenges. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, fell short of 30 points for the first time in this series, finishing with 24 points. The Thunder struggled with turnovers, committing 19 in total, which allowed the Pacers to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. This marks a stark contrast to their usual efficiency, illustrating the Pacers' defensive strength throughout the game.
The atmosphere in Indianapolis was electric, with the home crowd rallying behind their team for the first finals game in 25 years. Notable figures such as Reggie Miller and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark were courtside, enhancing the historic context of the game. The Pacers carried a lead into halftime for the first time in the series, showcasing a remarkable comeback effort driven by their bench's performance.
As the Pacers stand just two wins away from their first NBA championship, they remain undefeated in the postseason when scoring at least 110 points, a milestone they achieved for the first time in this series during Game 3. The upcoming Game 4 promises to be a crucial moment for both teams, with the Thunder needing to adjust their strategy to overcome the Pacers' relentless pressure and fast-paced style of play.
With the Pacers finding their rhythm and showcasing depth in their roster, the momentum is certainly on their side as they prepare for their next challenge in the NBA Finals.
