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The Indiana Pacers are now one step closer to claiming their first NBA championship, thanks to remarkable performances from their bench in Wednesday’s 116-107 victory against the Thunder in Game 3.
Bennedict Mathurin dazzled the Oklahoma City defense, finishing with a game-high 27 points in only 22 minutes on 12 attempts. He has become the youngest player to score 25 points or more off the bench in an NBA Finals game since the 1970-71 season, when starting lineup data was first officially recorded.
Prior to Mathurin’s standout performance in Game 3, the last player to achieve 27 points coming off the bench in an NBA Finals was Jason Terry for the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, accomplishing this feat during Game 6 of their championship clincher against Miami.
Interestingly, both teams were coached by Rick Carlisle—leading the Mavericks then and now at the helm of the Pacers.
Mathurin’s stellar effort was crucial for Indiana, allowing them to keep pace with and even take the lead against the top-seeded Thunder during their first Finals game at home since 2000. With star point guard Tyrese Haliburton resting, Mathurin spearheaded the Pacers’ offense as the fourth quarter commenced, converting a five-point deficit into a short-lived two-point advantage before Haliburton returned to the court.
BENN MATHURIN TOPS ALL SCORERS!
🏁 27 PTS (playoff career high)🏁 9-12 FGM🏁 Youngest player to score 25+ PTS off the bench in the Finals (since recorded in 1970-71)@Pacers take a 2-1 NBA Finals lead 👏pic.twitter.com/delHSkcuac
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2025
This exceptional performance highlights Mathurin’s roller-coaster playoff journey, characterized by fluctuating contributions and playing time. The 22-year-old swingman had an off night in Game 1 with just five points in 16 minutes, following a week filled with varied performances that included back-to-back 20-point outings and a low of two points in Game 3 and four points in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Throughout this playoff run, Mathurin has logged four games with 20-plus points, and the Thunder were well aware of his scoring potential.
“He seems to deliver a performance like this in every series. He’s a gifted player,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He was especially aggressive. McConnell also played exceptionally well. Their entire bench came in and made a significant impact.”
T.J. McConnell, the backup point guard, has experienced more consistent playing time but made a noteworthy impact in Game 3, contributing significantly to the outcome. The 33-year-old veteran harassed the Thunder defense with his relentless approach, finishing with 10 points, five assists, and five steals in just 15 minutes.
McConnell sets a new benchmark in NBA history as the first player to achieve at least 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals off the bench in a Finals game since official steal records began in the 1973-74 season.
T.J. MCCONNELL: PURE HEART, PURE HUSTLE
😤 10 PTS😤 5 AST😤 5 STL
First player since 1973-74 to record these stats off the bench in a Finals game 🤯🤯pic.twitter.com/sKcwp9U1d4
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2025
“Securing a win in the playoffs and in the Finals is incredibly challenging,” McConnell stated. “We’re thrilled about this victory, but we must look ahead, address our shortcomings, and make the necessary adjustments.”
Obi Toppin also played a pivotal role for the Pacers off the bench, contributing eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks as the team now leads the Thunder 2-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.
“This team is defined by its collective effort,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “We need everyone prepared. It won’t always be the same players stepping up in scoring or similar areas, but this is how we must operate.”
“Our players kept making plays, one after another,” added Haliburton. “Our bench was phenomenal.”
This report utilized information from The Associated Press.
