The Indiana Pacers’ postseason identity has been defined by depth, tempo and a bench that consistently delivers. Through three games of the NBA Finals, that edge has become a difference-maker as the Pacers’ second unit outscored Oklahoma City’s bench 49–18 in Game 3, which helped push Indiana to another come-from-behind victory.
That production has been balanced, with T.J. McConnell posting ten points, five assists and five steals, Obi Toppin making key fourth-quarter plays and a 22-year-old guard out of Arizona who didn’t log a single playoff minute last season delivering the biggest swing.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin soars to the basket
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin soars to the basket
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Bennedict Mathurin returned this year from offseason shoulder surgery and re-established himself as a key contributor, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds over 72 games. He’s been a steady presence in Indiana’s second unit throughout the postseason, but Game 3 offered a sharp reminder of just how explosive he can be, even drawing comparison to former Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Russell Westbrook.
Mathurin scored 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting in just 22 minutes off the bench, setting a new playoff career high and becoming the youngest player to score 25 or more points off the bench in an NBA Finals game since the league started tracking the stat in 1970–71.
After the official social media handle of the NBA posted Mathurin's achievements, basketball fans soon became vocal with their opinions.
A fan said, “LEGACY GAME ð¥.”
Another wrote, “Amazing what a legend.”
One fan said, “He was really enjoying himself out there. Nice ð.”
Added another, “Mathurin channeled his inner Slitherin.”
A different fan said, “What a game. What a team. What in the Hali is this championship giving us in entertainment.”
“Fabulous Mathurin! Bring it home!” said another.
The performance also marked the most points by a bench player in the Finals since Jason Terry in 2011. Mathurin, the former Arizona Wildcat, is now shooting 58.3% from the field and 78.9% from the line in the series.
Mathurin’s emergence gives Indiana yet another dimension—one capable of swinging quarters and rewriting Finals history in just 22 minutes.