Bennedict Mathurin made NBA history with his electrifying Game 3 performance, scoring 27 points in just 22 minutes of play while shooting an incredibly efficient 9-of-12 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.12 The 22-year-old Canadian's scoring outburst set multiple records: he became the first Canadian to score 27 points off the bench in an NBA Finals game, surpassing Kelly Olynyk's previous record,3 and recorded the most points by any bench player in the Finals since Jason Terry's 27-point performance in 2011.4

What makes Mathurin's achievement even more remarkable is that he didn't even play in the first quarter, yet still managed to outscore the entire Thunder bench (27-18) by himself.45 His explosive second quarter, where he scored 14 points in under 10 minutes, helped spark a crucial 15-4 Pacers run that changed the game's momentum.5 "Just staying ready," Mathurin explained about his mindset. "Whenever my number is called, go into the game and do the right things and try to help my team win."2

The Pacers' bench utterly dominated Game 3, outscoring Oklahoma City's reserves by a staggering 49-18 margin that proved decisive in Indiana's victory.12 While Mathurin's 27-point explosion led the way, T.J. McConnell provided a critical spark with 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals, including three steals on inbounds passes that directly led to Pacers scores.3 These momentum-shifting plays demoralized the Thunder, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander calling them "easily preventable" and Jalen Williams describing them as "brutal."3

Indiana's bench superiority reflected coach Rick Carlisle's philosophy that the Pacers' depth makes them special. "This reflects the type of team we are," Carlisle noted after the game. "We require everyone to be prepared."3 The bench impact was particularly evident in the fourth quarter, where Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 32-18 to secure the win.45 Tyrese Haliburton acknowledged this contribution directly, telling NBA TV: "Honestly, our second unit really won us the game."3

After two challenging games against Oklahoma City's defense, Tyrese Haliburton found his rhythm in Game 3, delivering a near triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 9-of-17 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three-point range.12 Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his performance as "terrific," noting that Haliburton found "the perfect balance between scoring and passing" with "a combination of spatial awareness and aggression."1 This marked Haliburton's ninth playoff game with 10+ assists and at least two made three-pointers, making him the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat in a single postseason.3

Haliburton's approach to Game 3 showed remarkable adaptation after struggling in Game 2. He studied film of Stephen Curry handling physical defenses and worked with his trainer Drew Hanlen to make adjustments.2 The Pacers also adjusted their offensive schemes, running more pitches and handoffs to get Haliburton catches in motion rather than static positions.2 The results were immediate—Haliburton scored 12 points in the first half and added 7 in the third quarter before focusing on playmaking in the fourth.2 The Pacers are now 20-1 this season when Haliburton records at least 20 points and 10 assists, highlighting his critical role in their championship pursuit.2