"Shock and Awe" as Pacers Surge Ahead in NBA Finals: Ben Mathurin's Spectacular Show
Pacers Enthusiastically Unveil Surprise starring Mathurin
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The excitement and tension of the NBA Playoffs hit an all-time high as the Oklahoma City Thunder suffer their second defeat against the surging Indiana Pacers, leaving them trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting Isaiah Hartenstein as their leader, have suffered two losses to the tenacious Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, with the latest being a 116-107 setback in Game 3. While the Thunder had hoped to dominate the series, they find themselves on the ropes, needing four more wins to secure the championship. The Pacers, on the other hand, are just one victory away from their first-ever title.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' forceful captain, shared his excitement after their win in Indianapolis, which marked Indiana's first home game in the NBA Finals in 25 years. "Unbelievable. Incredible. To play in front of our fans and give them great basketball - it's just fantastic. It's a fantastic win, and the people here deserve it," Haliburton said, noting the challenges faced by the team but their determination to keep pushing forward.
Pacers Seize the Lead Late in the Game
Unlike their home loss in the series opener, where the Pacers squandered a double-digit lead and ultimately lost the game in the final seconds, the defeat in Game 3 was less of a shock, given the game's ebb and flow. Oklahoma City took an early lead but fell behind by four points at halftime and struggled to regain control in the second half, as the lead changed hands several times before the Pacers pulled away in the late minutes.
The Game 3 MVP was unexpectedly Bennedict Mathurin, a shooting guard for the Pacers, who poured in 27 points, making nine of his twelve attempts from the field. "Ben Mathurin was an absolute beast off the bench today," commented Haliburton, who finished with 22 points and 11 assists. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams had 26 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24. Hartenstein had a disappointing outing, mustering only four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa
- NBA
- Basketball
- Basketball Playoffs
Enrichment Data:
Bennedict ("Ben") Mathurin
Known as an up-and-coming shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin is recognized for his scoring prowess and athleticism. In Game 3, his off-bench performance proved crucial, helping the Pacers fight their way back from a late deficit and take the lead in the series. Mathurin's energetic and efficient scoring contributed to a 49-18 advantage in bench points over the Thunder and underscored his impact in pivotal moments during the Pacers' postseason run.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Thunder vs Pacers Game 3 Recap - Indiana Pulls Away Late for series Lead. Retrieved from www.espn.com
[4] CBS Sports. (2025). Indiana Pacers Surge Ahead in NBA Finals - Game 3 Highlights. Retrieved from www.cbssports.com
[5] NBA.com. (2025). Ben Mathurin Career Stats. Retrieved from www.nba.com
After the Indiana Pacers' 116-107 victory in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, Bennedict Mathurin, an influential shooting guard for the team, showcased his scoring prowess by scoring 27 points, leading the Pacers closer to their first-ever title. Mathurin's vital bench contributions, including nine out of twelve field goal attempts, played a significant role in the team's postseason success.
