The Indiana Pacers surged to a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead. Bennedict Mathurin, who led all scorers with 27 points off the bench, shared his mindset and passion in postgame press conference.
Mathurin shared that his preparation starts every morning with a simple routine. “I pray every morning. I know I’m going to have a great day,” he said. Despite not playing in the first quarter, he stayed ready mentally. “Whenever my number gets called, just go in the game and do the right things and try to help my team win,” he explained.
The energy from the bench shifted the momentum in the second quarter, Mathurin said. “Having guys like TJ and Obi get in the game, and Shep, just playing hard. It’s a group of guys who play extremely hard, and that’s exactly what we needed to get the fans back on their feet.”
When asked about his offensive rhythm, Mathurin credited his preparation. “I was able to get in the gym a lot this week and just prepare for this game,” he noted. He also emphasized the importance of bench players contributing despite fewer minutes. “You just gotta give it all you got and win the game,” he said.
Reflecting on last year’s injury that kept him off the court, Mathurin highlighted the lessons learned. “Being next to the coaches who were able to run me through the game helped a lot. It was unfortunate, but I was fortunate enough to learn and be ready for this year.”
Mathurin credited the team’s aggressiveness for the improved offense compared to Game 2. “We were able to call a timeout and execute what we usually do. When we play Pacers basketball, that’s the best thing the fans are going to get.”
He also spoke about the emotional toll of being sidelined last year. “I really love playing basketball. It’s family and basketball for me. I wish I could do anything to be on the court, but I couldn’t. So I tried to put myself in positions to learn and improve.”
On Obi Toppin’s impact, Mathurin said, “He’s a source of energy. He’s always smiling and has contagious energy. Having him come in and bring defense or offense is always great.”
The crowd’s energy in Indiana was a big boost. “The state of Indiana is about basketball. That’s the first time I really felt it. I’m trying to live in the present and make sure the dream ends well—with a championship. If the fans can help me, that’s the best I can get.”
Mathurin’s 27 points outscored the entire Thunder bench, underscoring his crucial role in the win. The Pacers’ bench dominated with 49 points, helping Indiana overcome a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
