June 13, 2025 — Indianapolis, IN: Bennedict Mathurin delivered a career-defining performance on the NBA’s biggest stage Wednesday night, scoring 27 points off the bench to propel the Indiana Pacers to a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The win gives Indiana a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and marked their first home Finals game in 25 years.
Mathurin, who turns 23 next week, was nearly unstoppable in limited minutes. Shooting 9-of-12 from the field and finishing with a +16 rating in just 22 minutes, the Quebec native provided the spark Indiana needed to seize control of the series. His electrifying shot-making, relentless drives, and poise under pressure left Oklahoma City searching for answers.
“It’s a dream now, but I try not to live in a dream,” Mathurin said postgame. “I’m focused on the present and making sure this dream ends the right way — by winning a championship.”
Bench Brilliance and Home Crowd Energy
Mathurin’s Game 3 explosion also highlighted Indiana’s dominant bench play. The Pacers’ reserves outscored the Thunder’s bench 49-18, with T.J. McConnell contributing 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in just 15 minutes of action. Aaron Nesmith nailed a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to push the lead to eight.
Meanwhile, Gainbridge Fieldhouse transformed into a gold-lit fortress. Fans packed the arena in matching “This is Indiana” shirts, and the late-game energy hit a crescendo when Obi Toppin delivered a powerful putback dunk that sent literal tremors through the arena floor.
Thunder Struggles Add to Mathurin’s Impact
While Mathurin thrived, Oklahoma City faltered. The Thunder committed 19 turnovers, leading directly to 21 Pacers points, and missed seven free throws, including four in the critical fourth quarter.
Despite strong individual performances from Jalen Williams (26 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24), and Chet Holmgren (20), the Thunder couldn’t contain Indiana’s offensive rhythm — especially Mathurin’s.
“We didn’t play to our usual standards,” admitted OKC head coach Mark Daigneault. “Mathurin gave them a huge boost, and we need to respond better next game.”
Rising Star, Real Stakes
Drafted sixth overall in 2022, Mathurin has been touted as a core piece of Indiana’s future. But his Game 3 performance may have cemented his status as a rising playoff star. With Game 4 set for Friday night in Indianapolis, the Pacers are now just two wins away from their first-ever NBA championship — and Mathurin is at the heart of it.