The Indiana Pacers’ commanding 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Finals Game 3 has basketball legends taking notice. With a dominant bench performance outscoring Thunder reserves 49-18, the Pacers seized a crucial 2-1 series lead.
Lakers icon Magic Johnson immediately praised Indiana’s depth on social media, highlighting three key bench contributors who transformed the game’s momentum. The victory puts the Pacers just two wins away from their first-ever NBA championship, marking a historic moment for the franchise and city.
NBA Legend Praises Pacers’ Bench
Following the Pacers’ impressive home victory, Magic Johnson took to social media to celebrate Indiana’s supporting cast. The NBA Hall of Famer specifically highlighted the contributions of Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin in his post-game analysis.
The Indiana Pacers defense was amazing tonight forcing 17 turnovers which got them into their transition game. The Pacers were faster, quicker and more aggressive overall. They also had major contributions from their unsung heroes off the bench – Bennedict Mathurin scored 27…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2025
Johnson’s social media message read, “The Indiana Pacers’ defense was amazing tonight, forcing 17 turnovers, which got them into their transition game. The Pacers were faster, quicker, and more aggressive overall. They also had major contributions from their unsung heroes off the bench – Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 points, TJ McConnell had 10 points, and Obi Toppin finished with 8 points. The Pacers’ reserves outscored OKC’s reserves 45 to 18! ”
While the bench stole headlines, Tyrese Haliburton nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 21 points and 6 rebounds to anchor the starting unit.
The Pacers full court pressure defense wore Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down and that’s a big reason why the NBA MVP wasn’t effective in the fourth quarter!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2025
The Lakers legend also credited Indiana’s defensive strategy of applying full-court pressure on Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, noting how this approach effectively wore down the star guard and significantly limited his fourth-quarter impact.
Mathurin, McConnell Lead Record-Breaking Reserve Performance
Bennedict Mathurin emerged as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on exceptional 9-of-12 shooting in just 22 minutes off the bench. His explosive performance provided the offensive spark Indiana needed during crucial moments throughout the contest.
T.J. McConnell made NBA Finals history by becoming the first reserve to record 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a Finals game. His defensive energy and playmaking ability proved instrumental in the Pacers’ fourth-quarter surge, which ultimately decided the outcome.
Obi Toppin contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds while providing crucial rim protection alongside Myles Turner during the closing minutes.
The combination of those three players defined team basketball at its best. Each player played their role and was ready to perform when called upon. The collective effort showed the championship-caliber depth that separates Indiana from the defending Western Conference champions in this Finals series.
Teams that win Game 3 when Finals are tied 1-1 historically capture the championship 80.5% of the time. With their bench proving capable of delivering under Finals pressure, the Pacers have positioned themselves perfectly for basketball immortality in Indianapolis.
Friday night’s Game 4 presents another opportunity for Indiana to showcase the depth that has become their championship calling card.
