In a thrilling Game 3 that went down to the wire, Bennedict Mathurin delivered a record-breaking performance to lift the Pacers past OKC 116-107

After an average Pacers performance in the first quarter, help was required from their bench to boost the scoreline and edge them ahead of, what appeared to be, a dominant OKC side. Mathurin scored 27 points in total, a record number of points from a reserve in an NBA Finals game which has not been seen since 2011. In addition to T.J. McConnell’s contribution from the bench and a better performance by the starting 5 into the second quarter, the Pacers side proved once again that they have what it takes. 

But it was not just down to the Pacers’ performance that they won the game. OKC made plenty of mistakes, turning the ball over too often to keep hold of that early lead. The team looked average in the second quarter while the Pacers and their bench stepped up. Tyrese Haliburton did not disappoint in his contribution of 22 points to the scoreboard, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Closely followed by Pascal Siakam’s 21 points but the star of the show was Mathurin with his 27 points off the bench.  

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder’s scoring with 24 points and eight rebounds. Starters Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 26 and 20 points respectively. But it just was not enough. SGA’s performance was well below expectations after he achieved just 9 of 20 shooting and turned the ball six times in total.  

Looking ahead to Game 4, Oklahoma City need to be better prepared against that set defense shown by Indiana. The team have to gain better control over the ball and lower the number of unforced errors and turnovers if they have any chance to succeed against a Pacers side that is surprising us all.