The Indiana Pacers have seized a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to a stellar performance from their second unit in Game 3. In front of a roaring home crowd, Indiana defeated Oklahoma City with a final score of 116-107 on Wednesday night. The Pacers' dynamic bench duo of Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell proved to be the difference-makers, injecting energy and scoring prowess into the game.
Mathurin led all Pacers scorers with 27 points, showcasing his offensive versatility and ability to create scoring opportunities. McConnell, a seasoned veteran, orchestrated the offense and disrupted the Thunder with his pesky defense, amassing 10 points and 5 steals. Their combined efforts resulted in a significant 49-18 advantage in bench points for the Pacers, highlighting the critical role they played in securing the victory.
While the Pacers' backups stole the show, the starters also made valuable contributions. Tyrese Haliburton nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Pascal Siakam continued his strong play with 21 points, effectively utilizing his size and skill in the post.
The Thunder, who entered the series with home-court advantage, were unable to contain the Pacers' balanced attack. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the regular season MVP, was limited to 24 points, with only 3 of those coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 26 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Indiana's superior team effort. Chet Holmgren, usually a reliable outside shooter, struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-6 from three-point range.
The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading leads. The Thunder held a narrow lead after the third quarter, but the Pacers surged ahead in the fourth, fueled by their bench players and Haliburton's playmaking. Indiana's defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and limiting Oklahoma City's scoring opportunities.
A pivotal moment occurred with approximately three minutes remaining when Aaron Nesmith prevented a breakaway layup by Alex Caruso, which was reviewed and deemed not a flagrant foul. Later, Myles Turner blocked two of Chet Holmgren's shot attempts on the same possession, preserving Indiana's lead. Siakam then sealed the victory with an easy basket, extending the Pacers' lead to eight points with just over a minute remaining.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised the contributions of Mathurin and McConnell, emphasizing their competitive spirit and scoring ability. Haliburton acknowledged the team's collective effort, highlighting Mathurin's resilience and ability to make crucial plays. The Pacers are now two wins away from their first NBA title.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to bounce back in Game 4, scheduled for Friday in Indianapolis. They'll need to find ways to generate more bench production and limit the Pacers' role players. The Pacers, on the other hand, will seek to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their home-court advantage.
