Pacers Bench Powers Game 3 Win, Lead NBA Finals 2-1/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ TJ McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin ignited the Indiana Pacers’ bench in a pivotal Game 3 NBA Finals win. Mathurin poured in 27 points while McConnell made history with five assists and five steals off the bench. The Pacers now hold a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder heading into Game 4.
Pacers Bench Ignites Game 3 Win – Quick Looks
- McConnell made NBA Finals history as a reserve with 5 assists and 5 steals.
- Mathurin scored 27 points, the most off the bench in a Finals game since 2011.
- Indiana defeated Oklahoma City 116-107, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
- Haliburton flirted with a triple-double, while Siakam added 21 points.
- Myles Turner battled illness, contributing crucial blocks late in the game.
- Game 4 is set for Friday night in Indianapolis.
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle also coached the last player with 27 off the bench—Jason Terry in 2011.
- Mathurin used a day-by-day injury recovery calendar as motivation to return from shoulder surgery.
- Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the dominance of Indiana’s bench.
Pacers’ Bench Propels Game 3 Win, Takes 2-1 Finals Lead – Deep Look
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers found their spark in Game 3 of the NBA Finals not just from their stars but from their bench—specifically the electric duo of TJ McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin. Their energy, precision, and execution helped the Pacers secure a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and grab a crucial 2-1 series lead.
McConnell, a relentless force on both ends of the court, became the first bench player in NBA Finals history to register five assists and five steals in a single game. His relentless defense and floor leadership electrified the home crowd and sparked multiple fast breaks.
Mathurin, meanwhile, put on a scoring clinic, dropping 27 points—the most by a reserve in the Finals since Jason Terry’s legendary Game 6 performance in the 2011 title-clincher for Dallas. That Mavericks team was coached by none other than Rick Carlisle, who now helms this resurgent Pacers squad.
“It’s about finding ways to contribute,” said McConnell. “Whether it’s scoring, defense, or just bringing energy, this team has bought in.”
History Repeats: Carlisle’s Bench Magic
The symmetry between Jason Terry’s 2011 performance and Mathurin’s 2025 breakout is poetic. Carlisle himself drew the connection, sharing a behind-the-scenes story about Mathurin’s rehabilitation journey after shoulder surgery. The young guard kept a countdown calendar in the team’s training room, tearing off a day each time as he worked toward being cleared for action.
“His eyes were on the playoffs even back then,” said Carlisle. “He’s earned this moment.”
Mathurin credited last year’s deep playoff run, where he was sidelined, as a learning experience. Sitting with the coaches helped him understand the game’s pace and schemes, giving him a cerebral edge to complement his athleticism.
Bench Energy Changes the Game
While Tyrese Haliburton came close to a triple-double and Pascal Siakam added a steady 21 points, the game turned on the back of McConnell’s hustle plays and Mathurin’s cold-blooded scoring.
“He’s like my big brother,” Haliburton said of McConnell. “The way he communicates, the way he hustles—he lifts the whole team.”
McConnell’s three stolen inbound passes were emblematic of the Pacers’ aggressive approach, forcing Oklahoma City out of its rhythm. Meanwhile, Mathurin’s confidence never wavered, hitting shots at key moments and keeping the Thunder at bay.
Mathurin Steps Into the Spotlight
In only his second season, Mathurin has proven he’s more than just a bench spark. This was his fourth 20-point game in the 2025 postseason, and his composure continues to grow with each high-pressure situation.
“I just stayed ready,” Mathurin said. “Being with the team last year and watching from the sidelines taught me a lot. Now it’s my time to apply what I’ve learned.”
His combination of strength, shot-making, and poise under pressure has made him a critical piece of the Pacers’ success this postseason.
Thunder Struggles to Match Depth
The Thunder, despite strong efforts from their starters, couldn’t match Indiana’s bench productivity. Head coach Mark Daigneault admitted that Mathurin and McConnell were difference-makers.
“Every series, [Mathurin] seems to have one of these games,” Daigneault said. “McConnell too—they brought energy and execution that really shifted momentum.”
What’s Next: Game 4 Looms Large
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers now have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead before the series shifts back to Oklahoma City.
For Indiana, it’s an opportunity to seize control of the Finals. For the Thunder, it’s a must-win moment to avoid falling into a near-insurmountable hole.
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