Credit: NBA
Indiana Pacers have gained a 2-1 lead in the NBA’s best-of-seven finals, with the triumph in Game 3 against Oklahoma City Thunder, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11. Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin stepped up on the big occasion and made joint efforts to guide Pacers to a 116-107 win. Haliburton gained 22 points through nine rebounds and 11 assists in 36 minutes and gave a tough time to Thunder in the first game as well when he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the final seconds of the contest. In the third game, the 25-year-old again emerged as a headache for Thunder.
This time, Tyrese Haliburton was assisted by Benedict Mathurin as well. Mathurin was in reserves and he collected 27 points with four rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes. Following the win, Haliburton spoke to ABC Sport and praised Benedict’s performance in the match. “So many different guys chipped in. Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench tonight. He just stuck with it. We just had guys make plays after plays,” remarked Tyrese.
Benedict Mathurin’s performance in Game 3
In 22:24 minutes on court, Mathurin looked extremely confident and went on to make two of his three three-point attempts and seven of eight free throws, which later helped them to add four rebounds and an assist through the second and fourth quarters. It was Mathurin’s first appearance in the playoffs after witnessing Pacers' advancement to the Eastern Conference finals from the bench.
Following the game, Mathurin said, “Just staying ready. Whenever my number is called, go into the game and do the right things and try to help my team win — that’s the whole mindset.” After clinching a crucial lead, Pacers will look to win their next game on June 14 and solidify their title-winning chances.
