In a season filled with storylines ranging from rising stars to legendary retirements, it’s the Indiana Pacers’ meteoric run to the 2025 NBA Finals that’s captivating fans across the globe. And at the center of that narrative now stands Bennedict Mathurin — a young, explosive talent who has just delivered the most pivotal performance of his blossoming career in Game 3 of the Finals. Against a high-powered Oklahoma City Thunder squad led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, Mathurin elevated his game to superstar status, guiding the Pacers to a crucial win that swung the momentum in their favor.
The contest, played in front of a roaring home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, carried the intensity, drama, and emotional weight that only an NBA Finals matchup can deliver. With the series tied at 1-1 entering Game 3, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. What unfolded was a masterclass in clutch performance and determination — and at its core was the 22-year-old from Montreal, Canada.
Mathurin finished with a career-high 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 37 minutes of action, shooting efficiently from all over the court and putting pressure on the Thunder’s perimeter defense throughout. But the stat line only tells part of the story. His poise, maturity, and unwavering confidence in such a high-pressure moment spoke volumes about his development. He didn’t just show up — he took over.
From the opening tip, Mathurin asserted himself. Driving hard into the paint, hitting midrange floaters, and knocking down step-back threes, he made it clear he wasn’t going to be overwhelmed by the moment. His fearless approach set the tone early for Indiana, who had struggled in the first two games to find a consistent offensive rhythm against Oklahoma City’s length and defensive discipline.
By halftime, Mathurin had already dropped 18 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that sent the crowd into a frenzy. It was that moment — raw, electric, and emotionally charged — that shifted the energy of the entire series. Indiana, long considered underdogs in this Finals matchup, finally looked like the aggressor.
Meanwhile, the Thunder — a team that had surged through the Western Conference behind its core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Josh Giddey — suddenly looked vulnerable. Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to get clean looks against the relentless perimeter defense of Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. Holmgren was effective in spurts but couldn’t consistently impose his will inside against Indiana’s bigs. Oklahoma City’s bench, a strength in previous rounds, was thoroughly outplayed by Indiana’s second unit, particularly T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin, both of whom brought veteran savvy and hustle plays that don’t always show up on the box score.
But it all came back to Mathurin. His shot selection was mature, his reads off the dribble were precise, and most impressively, his defensive tenacity frustrated Oklahoma City’s wings all night. Every possession he played seemed to carry meaning. His energy was infectious. Teammates fed off it, and coaches recognized it — Rick Carlisle trusted him with the ball in closing moments, and Mathurin delivered.
One of the game’s signature moments came midway through the fourth quarter. With the Pacers clinging to a five-point lead and the Thunder beginning to surge, Mathurin isolated against Lu Dort — one of the league’s best defenders. With the shot clock winding down, he stepped back and launched a high-arcing three over Dort’s outstretched arm. The ball swished through, extending the lead and effectively silencing the Thunder’s comeback hopes.
That shot encapsulated the night: fearless execution against elite competition.
After the game, Mathurin remained humble. “We’ve worked all season for moments like this,” he said in the postgame interview. “I trust my teammates, and they trust me. That’s all I need.” When asked about the pressure of performing on the Finals stage, he smiled and added, “Pressure? I’ve dreamed about this my whole life. I love it.”
Fans across Indiana are now embracing Mathurin not just as a talented young player, but as the future face of the franchise. His rise has been meteoric, but not entirely unexpected. Drafted sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he showed flashes of brilliance early in his rookie season. But what sets him apart is his commitment to development. Whether it’s his improved three-point shooting, smarter off-ball movement, or more consistent defensive effort, Mathurin has evolved into a complete player.
And he’s doing it on the biggest stage of all.
For Indiana, this victory was more than just a game — it was a statement. After years of playoff mediocrity and roster reshuffling, the Pacers have built something real. A core of Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and a strong supporting cast is proving to be one of the league’s most balanced and resilient units.
Haliburton, who finished with 22 points and 11 assists, was quick to credit Mathurin after the game. “Man, Benn’s built for this. He’s got that killer instinct. It’s scary how good he can be,” Haliburton said. Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, echoed that sentiment, calling Mathurin “the spark we needed — the heart of this team right now.”
And yet, even in victory, the Pacers know the job isn’t done. They lead the series 2-1, but Oklahoma City remains a formidable opponent. With two more wins needed to clinch the title, Indiana must stay focused. The Thunder will adjust — they always do. Game 4 will be a test of consistency and resilience.
But if Mathurin continues to play at this level, it’s hard not to like Indiana’s chances.
The broader NBA community is taking notice, too. Social media erupted after his performance, with analysts and fans praising his maturity and poise. “Bennedict Mathurin is HIM,” one post read, while another compared his Finals poise to that of a young Dwyane Wade in 2006. While such comparisons may be premature, the excitement is understandable. Performances like this don't happen often from players this young.
It also raises a bigger question: Are we witnessing the birth of the league’s next superstar?
The Pacers have waited decades for a moment like this — their last Finals appearance came in 2000 when Reggie Miller led the charge. Back then, they fell short to the Lakers. Now, with Mathurin leading a new generation of Pacers, the fan base dares to believe once again. That belief, that hope, is powerful. And it's been earned.
Mathurin has not only redefined what’s possible for Indiana — he’s redefining the expectations of what young players can do under the game’s brightest lights. His Game 3 masterpiece will be replayed and remembered for years to come, not just for the points he scored, but for how he inspired a team and a city.
As the NBA Finals continue, all eyes will be on Indianapolis and its new star. For Bennedict Mathurin, the journey is just beginning — but if Game 3 is any indication, the future is already here.
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