Fri Jun 13 08:00:00 UTC 2025: **Pacers Surge Ahead in NBA Finals with Game 3 Victory Over Thunder**
**INDIANAPOLIS** – The Indiana Pacers delivered a dominant performance Wednesday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals to take a 2-1 series lead. Fueled by a dynamic bench and stellar play from their key players, the Pacers showcased the depth and resilience that have defined their playoff run.
Bennedict Mathurin exploded for a game-high 27 points off the bench, marking the most points scored by a reserve in an NBA Finals game since 2011. T.J. McConnell added 10 points and five assists, recording five steals, leading the way as the Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s 49-18. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 21 points to secure the victory.
“This is the kind of team that we are,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “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.”
The Pacers’ victory in Game 3 significantly boosts their chances of winning the series, as teams that win Game 3 after a 1-1 split have historically won the Finals 80.5% of the time. Furthermore, the Pacers remain undefeated after a loss in the 2025 postseason, improving to 5-0.
Mathurin’s exceptional performance placed him in elite company, becoming the sixth player since the NBA/ABA merger to score 25 or more points in the Finals at age 22 or younger, joining legends like Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. McConnell’s impact was equally impressive, as he became the first player in NBA Finals history to record at least 10 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.
Mathurin, who had limited playing time in the first two games, credited his preparation and mindset for his success. “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.”
Haliburton praised the team’s depth, stating, “When you have a team with this much depth, it can be anybody’s night.”
Mathurin’s journey back from a torn labrum in March 2024, which sidelined him during last year’s Eastern Conference finals run, has been a testament to his determination. Coach Carlisle revealed Mathurin’s dedication, recounting how he placed a calendar in the team’s training room, eagerly counting down the days until he was cleared to play.
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will look to extend their series lead and move closer to capturing the NBA championship.
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