Indiana Pacers Achieve Historic Victory in NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers achieved a significant milestone in their pursuit of the NBA championship by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. A standout performance came from young guard Bennedict Mathurin, who contributed an impressive 27 points from the bench, showcasing the depth of Indiana’s roster. Tyrese Haliburton also had a stellar performance, amassing 22 points and delivering 11 assists alongside nine rebounds, marking his strongest outing of the series.
Building Anticipation for Game 4
As the Pacers prepare for Game 4, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Friday in Indianapolis, anticipation builds as they stand only two victories away from capturing their first-ever NBA title. This Game 3 win is particularly notable for breaking a losing streak, as the Pacers had previously fallen short in their preceding three playoff series when they reached Game 3.
Mathurin’s Standout Performance
Mathurin, who is 22 and in his third season with the Pacers, is no stranger to high-pressure performances. Drafted from the University of Arizona, he honed his skills at the NBA Academy in Mexico before making waves in the league. On Wednesday, he achieved a personal best in playoff scoring, reaching a career-high in the postseason coupled with four rebounds and a block, making him the first Indiana player in this Finals to score at least 20 points.
Game Highlights and Key Plays
The Pacers, who hadn’t hosted a Finals game in 25 years, played in front of a star-studded crowd including former Pacers legend Reggie Miller and basketball icons Oscar Robertson and WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Unlike previous games in the series, Indiana led at halftime (64-60), fueled by a dominant performance from their bench, which outpaced the Thunder’s reserves 30-11 in the first half.
Despite the Thunder’s early momentum in the second half, Indiana regained control in the final quarter thanks to crucial plays by Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith. Toppin’s powerful putback dunk and Nesmith’s falling three-pointer were pivotal in maintaining the lead. Indiana’s defense was relentless, effectively limiting league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s opportunities, forcing him to only three shot attempts in the crucial fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead
As the series intensifies, the Pacers will look to carry this momentum into Game 4, eager to capitalize on their growing confidence and aim for two more wins to secure the championship trophy.
