The Indiana Pacers continue to showcase their strength and team dynamics as they find themselves just two wins away from claiming the NBA championship, largely thanks to standout performances from their players in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam have been key figures in this postseason, driving the offense with their unique skills. However, their success hinges significantly on the team’s depth, which has been a repeated theme emphasized by coach Rick Carlisle and the players throughout this thrilling run.
In Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107, with their bench contributing heavily to the victory. The reserve players outscored the Thunder’s bench 48-19, with Bennedict Mathurin leading the charge. Mathurin scored a career-high 27 points off the bench, tying for the most points ever scored by a Pacer in a playoff game as a reserve. This impressive performance came after a challenging recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him during last year’s playoffs.
“We need everyone ready to contribute,” Carlisle noted after the game, highlighting the importance of a complete team effort. This is evident as the Pacers have relied on their second unit to deliver impactful performances, with T.J. McConnell also making his mark by posting 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals — the first player to achieve this off the bench in a Finals game.
Mathurin’s aggressive play mirrored the high-energy style the Pacers are known for, with both Haliburton and Siakam praising his contributions on the offensive end and defensive tenacity. The team’s collective effort was vital in erasing an early deficit against the Thunder, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate during the pressure of the Finals.
As they prepare for Game 4, the Pacers are confident in their bench’s capacity to rise to the occasion again, reinforcing their status as serious contenders for the championship. “When you have a team with this much depth, it can be anybody’s night,” Haliburton expressed, encapsulating the spirit of teamwork that has defined the Pacers this postseason.
The overall narrative of embracing collective strength and overcoming obstacles not only sets a positive tone for the Pacers but also adds an inspiring dimension to their playoff journey. The blend of individual talent and cohesive team play has propelled them to this point, and fans eagerly anticipate what the next game will hold.