Pacers Bench, Stars Shine in Game 3 NBA Finals Win

The Indiana Pacers secured a 2-1 NBA Finals lead with a 116-107 Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighted by Bennedict Mathurin's historic 27 points off the bench in just 22 minutes. Mathurin became the first NBA Finals reserve since Jason Terry in 2011 to score that many points in limited minutes, while T.J. McConnell contributed 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals as a reserve. The Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s 49-18, providing a decisive advantage. Starters Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam each added over 20 points, strengthening Indiana's offensive output. Despite strong efforts from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder now trail in the series but have previously overcome such deficits in these playoffs. Game 4 will take place in Indianapolis, where the Pacers aim to move closer to their first NBA championship.