Bench Boost Powers Pacers Past Thunder for 2-1 NBA Finals Lead

The Indiana Pacers seized control of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night with a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, fueled by a dynamic 49-point contribution from their bench. With the win, Indiana takes a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Bennedict Mathurin led the second-unit charge with 27 points, while veteran guard T.J. McConnell delivered another inspired performance that showcased his signature hustle and high-IQ playmaking. McConnell, who leads all NBA reserves in playoff assists per game (4.1), added key steals, layups, and crucial defensive stops throughout a tense fourth quarter.

“McConnell was everywhere,” said head coach Rick Carlisle post-game. “His energy flipped the game in our favor.”

Star guard Tyrese Haliburton narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Pascal Siakam chipped in 21 points, while Aaron Nembhard and Obi Toppin made timely contributions during Indiana’s fourth-quarter surge.

Oklahoma City took an 89-84 lead into the final period, sparked by a powerful baseline and-1 dunk by Chet Holmgren and a deep three from Jalen Williams. But Indiana’s depth proved decisive.

McConnell stole an inbounds pass from Alex Caruso under the basket and converted a layup to tie the game at 95. Moments later, he assisted Mathurin for a go-ahead three-pointer, giving Indiana a 98-96 lead. Haliburton returned from a brief rest to drill a three from the top of the key, pushing the lead to 101-98 with just under seven minutes to play.

Aaron Nesmith, who also came up big defensively, nailed a corner three after an Obi Toppin dunk gave Indiana a seven-point cushion. A defensive sequence by Myles Turner, who blocked Holmgren twice on one possession, helped preserve the lead during a tense closing stretch.

The Thunder cut the deficit to six with three minutes remaining after Caruso’s breakaway earned him a pair of free throws. But Indiana responded quickly, with Siakam’s layup sealing the game’s momentum and pushing the Pacers up 112-104 with just over a minute to play.

Indiana, which has not lost back-to-back games since December, will host Game 4 on Friday in front of a fired-up home crowd, aiming to extend their series lead.

With the bench clicking and Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers look primed for a potential championship breakthrough.