Bennedict Mathurin delivered a breakout performance Thursday night, scoring 25 points off the bench to power the Indiana Pacers past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-99, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The win gives Indiana a 2-1 series lead and puts them two victories away from their first-ever NBA championship.
With star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Pacers needed a spark — and Mathurin answered the call. The 21-year-old energized the home crowd with aggressive drives, clutch three-pointers, and standout defensive plays, helping Indiana take control in the second half after a tight first two quarters.
Pascal Siakam contributed 19 points and 7 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell added 15 points and 10 assists, providing steady leadership in Haliburton’s absence. Indiana’s defense also played a crucial role, holding the Thunder to just 17 fourth-quarter points and forcing key turnovers in the final stretch.
For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 31 points, but the Thunder struggled to find rhythm late in the game. Chet Holmgren added 15 points, but the team’s offensive production fell flat in crunch time as Indiana pulled away.
Game 4 is set for Saturday night in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will look to extend their lead and move one step closer to making franchise history.
