McConnell and Mathurin Ignite Pacers' Victory in Game 3 of Finals

In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, T.J. McConnell showcased an exceptional performance, stealing inbounds passes multiple times. He energized the crowd with his enthusiasm, contributing to the already electric atmosphere.

Bennedict Mathurin delivered a composed and effective performance, consistently scoring crucial baskets for Indiana. Their contrasting styles complemented each other, forming a formidable duo off the bench for the Pacers. Their contributions were instrumental in Indiana taking a 2-1 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the title series.

McConnell made history as the first reserve in finals history to achieve five assists and five steals in a game. Mathurin, returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him last year, scored 27 points, the highest by a reserve in a finals game in 14 years. While other key players like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner also played significant roles, McConnell and Mathurin were the standout performers.

McConnell emphasized the difficulty of playoff wins and the need to focus on improvement. He immediately turned his attention to the upcoming Game 4. Haliburton described McConnell as a mentor, consistently providing guidance and energy. Haliburton praised McConnell's ability to create hustle plays and energize the team.

Mathurin's performance was characterized by his smooth execution. The last player to score 27 points off the bench in a finals game was Jason Terry in 2011, coached by the current Pacers coach, Rick Carlisle. Carlisle shared how Mathurin, after his shoulder surgery, meticulously tracked his recovery, eager to return to the court.

Mathurin acknowledged the valuable lessons he learned from observing last year's playoff run. He felt prepared for this year, having gained insights from the coaches. Mathurin has had four 20-point games in these playoffs. The Thunder recognized his talent and impact. The Thunder's coach acknowledged the significant contributions of both Mathurin and McConnell, highlighting their effectiveness off the bench.