It was a night to remember in Indianapolis as the Indiana Pacers brought down the house with a thrilling Finals Game 3 victory, taking a 2-1 series lead and securing their first home win in the NBA Finals in 25 years. With Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense and Bennedict Mathurin lighting up the scoreboard off the bench, the Pacers delivered a complete team performance that left fans roaring and the visiting team stunned.
Haliburton Leads with Heart and Hustle
Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of this Pacers squad, once again proved why he’s the face of the franchise. He came just one rebound shy of a triple-double, posting 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds in one of the most composed and impactful performances of his young career. Whether it was dropping dimes in transition, hitting timely step-back threes, or diving into the paint to snag boards, Haliburton’s fingerprints were all over the game.
His control of tempo was masterful. Every possession felt deliberate, every pass purposeful. When the team needed a spark, he delivered — but just as importantly, when they needed composure, he slowed the game down, found open shooters, and made the right reads. His leadership went beyond stats; it was in the way he kept his teammates locked in and energized throughout the night.
“Tyrese is our floor general, our heartbeat,” head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. “He’s always two steps ahead — and tonight, he was in complete command.”
Bennedict Mathurin Erupts Off the Bench
As good as Haliburton was, the star of the night might very well have been Bennedict Mathurin, who delivered a scorching 27-point performance off the bench. His energy was infectious, his confidence unshakable, and his scoring unstoppable.
Mathurin attacked the rim with purpose, hit jumpers with ease, and ignited the home crowd with back-to-back three-pointers in the second quarter that broke the game wide open. His 27 points came on efficient shooting, and he did it all while guarding multiple positions on defense.
It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Mathurin is considered one of the league’s most dangerous young scorers. The moment never seemed too big for him — in fact, he seemed to relish it.
“Bennedict was sensational,” Haliburton said after the game. “He gave us that punch off the bench that flipped the momentum. He’s fearless, man.”
Bench Depth Shines Bright
While Mathurin was the standout, Indiana’s bench as a whole stepped up in a major way. The Pacers’ second unit outscored their counterparts by a margin of 42–18, overwhelming the opponent with pace, athleticism, and hustle. Obi Toppin added 9 key points, and T.J. McConnell dished out 5 assists while providing his trademark defensive pressure.
The bench not only extended leads — they protected them. When the starters rested in the third quarter, it was the second unit that maintained control of the game, keeping the momentum firmly in Indiana’s favor.
This kind of depth has been a major storyline throughout the playoffs, and Game 3 showcased why it’s such a vital part of the Pacers’ Finals run.
Historic Night in Indianapolis
The significance of this win goes far beyond the box score. This was the Pacers’ first home Finals victory since 2000, when legends like Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose graced the hardwood. The wait has been long, the journey winding — but the payoff was sweet.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electrifying. Fans packed the arena wearing blue and gold, waving towels, chanting, and standing on their feet for nearly the entire fourth quarter. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the energy was palpable.
The players felt it too.
“We felt that love from the city,” Mathurin said. “We wanted to give them something special tonight. We wanted to make history.”
And they did.
Defense and Effort
What made this win even more impressive was the defensive effort Indiana brought to the table. They held their Finals opponent — a veteran-laden squad with title experience — to just 42% shooting from the field, and forced 14 turnovers. Myles Turner anchored the paint with timely blocks and altered shots, while Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard locked down the perimeter.
Indiana’s game plan was simple: pressure the ball, contest every shot, and make nothing easy. The result was a smothering, connected effort that suffocated their opponent’s rhythm for large stretches of the game.
Eyes on Game 4
With a 2-1 lead in the series, the Pacers now have a chance to take full control in Game 4. But they know the job’s far from done. A hungry and experienced opponent awaits, and adjustments will surely be made. But if Indiana continues to get this level of contribution from Haliburton, Mathurin, and the rest of the squad, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.
Game 4 is set to be another epic showdown in Indianapolis. For now, though, the Pacers — and their fans — can savor a historic night filled with dazzling play, clutch performances, and the loudest celebration downtown Indy has heard in decades.
