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Indiana Pacers vs OKC Thunder

🔥 Bennedict Mathurin takes over Game 3!

The Indiana Pacers now lead the NBA Finals 2–1 after a stunning 116–107 win over the Thunder. Mathurin dropped a blistering 27 points off the bench, while Haliburton nearly notched a triple-double. Indy’s depth and hustle flipped the script — and the series momentum.

🏀 Game 4 is set to be historic. Can the Pacers push to 3–1?

📲 Full recap, stats, and player reactions inside!

🔥 Bennedict Mathurin Ignites Pacers to Pivotal Game 3 Win Over Thunder

June 12, 2025

🏆 Indiana Leads NBA Finals 2–1 Behind Breakout Performance

In a dazzling display of depth, determination, and pure offensive firepower, the Indiana Pacers took a crucial 2–1 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116–107 in Game 3. The defining force behind Indiana’s win wasn’t just the usual stars—it was Bennedict Mathurin, the second-year guard who came off the bench and lit up Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a historic performance.

Bennedict Mathurin

📈 From Role Player to Game Changer: Mathurin’s Moment

A Performance for the Books

Bennedict Mathurin didn’t just show up—he announced himself to the basketball world. Scoring 27 points in just 22 minutes on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, Mathurin etched his name into NBA Finals history. He became:

• The first reserve to score 25+ points in a Finals game since 2011.

• One of just six players under 23 to post 25+ points in the Finals.

• The only Pacers player this postseason to post 25+ off the bench.

His explosive energy changed the rhythm of the game, giving the Pacers a jolt when the Thunder seemed poised to control momentum.

The Journey Behind the Spark

For those unfamiliar, Mathurin’s story is as compelling as his Game 3 stat line. Born in Montreal, raised through the NBA Academy in Mexico, and polished at Arizona, his rise has been rapid but far from smooth. A torn labrum sidelined him earlier this season, but he returned tougher, more confident—and ready to shine when it mattered most.

NBA

⚙️ Depth & Defense: Indiana’s Winning Formula

Bench Power

Indiana’s bench outscored Oklahoma City’s second unit by 31 points—a lopsided margin that underscores the tactical brilliance of Rick Carlisle. It wasn’t just Mathurin:

• T.J. McConnell had a masterclass in hustle: 10 points, 5 assists, 5 steals.

• Obi Toppin brought verticality and presence at both ends.

This wasn’t an isolated incident—Indiana’s bench has quietly been the X-factor all postseason. But Game 3 cemented it.

To view the visual story, please visit the link below:

Defense in the Clutch

Down the stretch, the Pacers locked in. While OKC’s scorers had their moments—Jalen Williams (26), SGA (24), and Chet Holmgren (20)—Indiana’s swarming rotations and aggressive closeouts held the Thunder to 35% shooting in the fourth quarter. That clampdown allowed the Pacers to pull away and seal the win.

🎯 Leadership That Lasts: Haliburton and Siakam Shine

Haliburton’s Poise Under Pressure

Tyrese Haliburton flirted with a triple-double—22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. But it was his decision-making late in the game that was most vital. He orchestrated nearly every Pacers possession in the fourth, assisting or scoring on 10 of their last 14 field goals.

His leadership continues to evolve—not just as a flashy passer, but as a floor general capable of controlling tempo and dictating rhythm.

Tyrese Haliburton

Siakam’s Championship Experience

Pascal Siakam, an NBA champion with the Raptors, was steady and efficient with 21 points. His Finals experience proved valuable, providing stability and two-way versatility when OKC threatened to make a run.

Pascal Siakam

📉 Thunder’s Trouble: Depth and Defensive Breakdowns

While the Thunder’s young core continues to impress, cracks are beginning to show:

• Limited bench production: Just 18 points combined.

• Defensive lapses: Failing to close out on Indiana’s shooters, especially Mathurin and Siakam.

• Turnover issues: Key late-game possessions lost due to miscommunication and pressure.

Oklahoma City Thunder

If the Thunder want to even this series in Game 4, they’ll need to tighten up defensively and trust their depth more meaningfully.

🗓️ What’s Next: Game 4 Preview

Game 4 returns Friday night to a raucous crowd in Indianapolis, marking only the second NBA Finals home game in Pacers franchise history. A win would give Indiana a commanding 3–1 lead, putting the Thunder on the brink. But a Thunder win flips the series back to even—and reclaims home-court advantage.

All eyes will be on:

• Mathurin: Can he replicate his scoring blitz?

Bennedict Mathurin

• SGA: Will he step into MVP takeover mode?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

• Haliburton vs. Giddey: The guard battle continues to evolve.

Tyrese Haliburton

• Carlisle vs. Daigneault: The coaching chess match heats up.

💬 Final Word: A Star is Born

Bennedict Mathurin didn’t just help Indiana win Game 3. He shifted the narrative of this Finals. He reminded everyone that championships aren’t only won by superstars—but also by unsung warriors willing to seize their moment.

Bennedict Mathurin

If Indiana lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy, fans will look back on Game 3 as the night the tide turned—and the night a young Canadian made NBA Finals history.

Indiana Pacers

📊 Game 3 Fast Facts