Pacers Thunder NBA Finals: Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell ignited Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fueling the Pacers’ 116–107 Game 3 win over the Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. Indiana now leads the series 2–1.
Mathurin and McConnell Power Pacers Bench Explosion
With starters gassed and the Pacers game on the line, Ben Mathurin scored 27 points off the bench, and T.J. McConnell added 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a vintage hustle performance.
The duo fueled a 32–18 fourth-quarter burst as Indiana flipped a five-point deficit into a dominant victory. The Pacers outscored the Thunder 49–18 in bench points.
“We just had guys make plays after plays,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who nearly posted a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Pacers Lock Down Late While Thunder Falter
The Thunder score plummeted in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) finished with 24 points, but went quiet late as OKC shot just 35.3% in the final frame and missed all four 3-point attempts.
Jalen Williams had 26 points, while Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 10 rebounds but shot 0-for-6 from deep. Indiana’s defense clamped down when it mattered most.
How the Game Turned
Early in the fourth, McConnell tied the Pacers game score at 95 with a steal and layup, then fed Mathurin for a go-ahead three. From there, it was a basketball game clinic:
- Haliburton’s fourth three-pointer made it 101–98
- Andrew Nembhard hit a key mid-range jumper
- Obi Toppin added a powerful putback
- Aaron Nesmith drained a corner three
- Mathurin dropped a floater
Indiana closed the game on a 22–8 run.
Key Moment: Thunder’s Last Chance Denied
With 2:35 left and the OKC score down 110–102, Alex Caruso stole the ball and drew a foul from Nesmith. After hitting both free throws, Myles Turner turned it over — but then stuffed Holmgren twice on the next possession.
Pascal Siakam’s layup sealed it with 1:09 left.
“So many different guys chipped in,” Haliburton added postgame.
Pacers Are 10–0 After Losses Since March
The Pacers score another bounce-back win after dropping Game 2. Indiana hasn’t lost back-to-back games since March and now holds a 2–1 lead in the NBA Finals.
Game 4 is Friday in Indianapolis, with a chance to take a commanding 3–1 lead.
Where to Watch NBA Finals Game 4
Want to know where to watch the NBA Finals?
Game 4 tips off Friday night on ABC and ESPN+, with streaming available via NBA League Pass and select regional providers.
Search for “where to watch NBA Finals” or visit nba.com for listings by region.
Source: The Guardian