Thu Jun 12 06:05:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the Pacers’ Game 3 victory:

**Pacers Surge Past Thunder, Take 2-1 NBA Finals Lead**

**INDIANAPOLIS** – The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, seizing a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. A dominant performance from the Pacers’ bench, particularly a career playoff-high 27 points from reserve guard Bennedict Mathurin, proved to be the difference maker.

Tyrese Haliburton fueled the Pacers’ offense with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 21 points, while T.J. McConnell added 10 points and 5 steals off the bench. The Pacers’ reserves outscored the Thunder’s bench by a significant margin, 49-18.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 24 points, but was limited to just three points in the fourth quarter. The Pacers defense successfully wore down the MVP candidate.

“So many different guys chipped in,” said Haliburton. “Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench tonight.”

Mathurin, playing his first NBA Finals after recovering from season-ending surgery last year, was efficient in his 22 minutes, shooting 9-12 from the field, hitting two three-pointers, and adding four rebounds.

“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.”

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle praised Mathurin and McConnell’s contributions.

“Those guys were tremendous,” Carlisle said. “TJ just brought a will, competitive will, to the game. Mathurin jumped in there and immediately was aggressive and got the ball in the basket.”

The Pacers will look to extend their series lead in Game 4 on Friday night in Indianapolis.

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