The Indiana Pacers grabbed a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals with a 116-107 Game 3 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, powered by a dominant bench performance and lockdown defense.
T.J. McConnell made NBA Finals history as the first reserve to record at least 10 points, five assists, and five steals in a game. Bennedict Mathurin led all scorers with 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench, while Obi Toppin added energy and defense.
Indiana’s bench outscored Oklahoma City’s 49-18, flipping the game in the second quarter and maintaining control. Tyrese Haliburton also delivered a complete performance with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.
The Pacers’ defense held Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 24 points, 10 below his usual output, while forcing 19 turnovers, including several off inbounds plays.
With this win, the Pacers improve to 5-0 following losses in the playoffs and inch closer to their first NBA title since joining the league from the ABA in 1976.
