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Pacers Take 2-1 NBA Finals Lead: Bench Play Key in Thunder Comeback
Jun
Bench Brilliance: How the Pacers’ Reserves Swung Game 3 and Took a Finals Lead
The NBA Finals are where legends are made, and in Game 3, it was the Indiana Pacers’ bench that stepped into the spotlight, delivering a performance for the ages. With the series tied and the stakes at an all-time high, the reserves turned the tide, powering Indiana to a crucial 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This win gives the Pacers a commanding 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, putting them two victories away from their first-ever NBA championship.
The Unlikely Heroes: Mathurin and McConnell Ignite the Fourth Quarter
Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was a testament to the depth of the Pacers’ roster. As the starters battled fatigue, it was the dynamic duo of Bennedict Mathurin and TJ McConnell who ignited a furious fourth-quarter comeback. Mathurin erupted for a game-high 27 points off the bench, showcasing his scoring prowess when it mattered most. McConnell, the relentless hustler, was a force on both ends of the court, diving for loose balls, snatching crucial steals, and dishing out timely assists.
Their combined energy transformed the arena into a “madhouse,” as Indiana outscored Oklahoma City a remarkable 32-18 in the final period. The Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s reserves by a staggering 49-18 margin, demonstrating their overwhelming impact. A defining 22-8 run to close the game flipped a five-point deficit into a decisive victory, showcasing the team’s resilience and belief.
Star Power and Crucial Plays
While the bench was the catalyst, the Pacers’ stars delivered when it counted. Tyrese Haliburton had another stellar all-around performance, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, including a smooth drive to the rim with just over a minute left that effectively sealed the game, extending Indiana’s lead to 112-104. “We just had guys make plays after plays,” said a proud Haliburton after the game, “Our bench was amazing.”
Thunder Struck: Fourth-Quarter Struggles for OKC
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who had entered the fourth quarter with an 89-84 lead, found themselves outplayed and out-executed in the clutch. Their offense sputtered, shooting just 35.3% from the field in the final period and failing to connect on any of their four three-point attempts. Five costly turnovers further compounded their struggles.
Despite strong individual performances from Jalen Williams (26 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points), and Chet Holmgren (20 points, 10 rebounds), the Thunder couldn’t withstand the Pacers’ onslaught. Holmgren, in particular, struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-6 from deep.
Game-Changing Momentum: The McConnell and Mathurin Connection
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter. McConnell tied the game at 95 with an opportunistic layup after intercepting an inbounds pass. On the very next possession, he found Mathurin for a corner three-pointer, giving Indiana a lead they would not relinquish.
Even after a brief rest, the Pacers’ momentum continued. Haliburton re-entered and immediately drilled his fourth triple of the night, pushing the lead to 101-98. What followed was a barrage of crucial buckets: Andrew Nembhard’s elbow jumper, Obi Toppin’s put-back dunk, Aaron Nesmith’s skip-pass three, and another Mathurin floater. The Pacers transformed a close contest into a runaway. McConnell’s defensive tenacity, alongside Mathurin’s scoring, allowed Indiana to control the tempo and outwork Oklahoma City in the most critical moments.
Late-Game Drama and Redemption
The game wasn’t without its late-game drama. With under three minutes remaining, a steal by Alex Caruso offered the Thunder a glimmer of hope. However, a hard foul by Nesmith was reviewed and ruled a common foul, preventing a potential turning point. While Caruso made both free throws, Myles Turner’s subsequent turnover briefly opened the door.
But Turner quickly atoned for his error, emphatically stuffing Holmgren twice at the rim on the very next possession. This crucial defensive sequence, combined with Siakam’s sealing layup, put the game firmly out of reach.
The Pacers’ win also extended a remarkable trend: they are now 10-0 since mid-March in games following a loss, showcasing their ability to bounce back and learn from defeat.
What’s Next: Game 4 and Historical Significance
The Thunder had made a late push in the third quarter, fueled by Jalen Williams’ step-back three and Holmgren’s aggressive play. However, they couldn’t contain Indiana’s surging bench in the Pacers’ first home NBA Finals game since 2000.
Game 4 is set for Friday night in Indianapolis, where the Pacers have an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Historically, teams that win Game 3 of a tied NBA Finals series have gone on to win the championship 80.5% of the time. The stage is set for the Pacers to make history, fueled by their incredible depth and a belief in their collective strength.
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