INDIANAPOLIS — Bennedict Mathurin has turned his dream of returning to basketball into a reality, and he is making a significant impact on the court for the Indiana Pacers.
Mathurin, who missed significant time last season due to a labrum tear in his right shoulder, marked each day leading up to his return with anticipation.
He tracked his recovery on a calendar, physically tearing off days to symbolize his progress toward rejoining his team.
His perseverance paid off in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where Mathurin scored a game-high 27 points in just 22 minutes, leading the Pacers to a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This performance marked the most points scored by a reserve in a finals game since Jason Terry in 2011 and the highest points for any player with 22 minutes or less of play in finals history.
“Every day he would come in and take one off, take one off,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle remarked, reflecting on Mathurin’s commitment to his recovery.
Carlisle highlighted the importance of Mathurin’s preparation, noting how he worked diligently to be ready not just for individual games but for the entire playoff experience.
“He’s put in a lot of work to be ready for these moments, and tonight he was an absolute major factor,” Carlisle added.
After watching his team compete in the Eastern Conference finals last year, Mathurin utilized the time off to learn about the game from the sidelines.
“Just being on the bench and being next to the coaches who were able to run me through the game… it was an unfortunate situation, but I was fortunate enough to learn a lot and be ready for this year,” Mathurin stated.
In the playoffs so far, Mathurin’s minutes have fluctuated.
He had a subdued performance in Game 1 with five points over 16 minutes and showed improvement in Game 2 with 14 points in 22 minutes.
However, in Game 3, after initially sitting out the first quarter as the Pacers trailed, Mathurin stormed into the game ready to make an impact.
The second unit of the Pacers proved vital, outscoring the Thunder’s reserves 49-18.
Veteran T.J. McConnell energized the crowd with 10 points, five assists, and five steals, while Obi Toppin contributed eight points and showcased a standout dunk in the fourth quarter.
“That’s our job, just get in the game and have that mindset,” Mathurin explained, emphasizing the importance of being mentally prepared as a bench player.
“Once we get in the game, we won’t have as many chances as when we start the game. Obviously, we have less minutes.”
Mathurin led the Pacers at halftime with 14 points and continued to shine in the second half.
After finishing the third quarter behind 89-84, he opened the fourth with a spinning floater and made a free throw to minimize the deficit to two points.
Displaying incredible efficiency, Mathurin finished the game shooting 9 of 12 from the field, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line.
Teammate Tyrese Haliburton spoke highly of Mathurin’s performance, praising his ability to play within the team’s system and attain shots that, although not conventional analytically, fit the current matchup against the Thunder.
“What Ben does at such a high level is getting to the free-throw line, and in this series, we need to get to free throws. We need to get to the paint,” Haliburton said.
Pascal Siakam also acknowledged Mathurin’s aggressive play, stating, “He was great being aggressive.”
Siakam urged Mathurin to maintain that mindset and energy through the playoffs.
Despite their victory, the Pacers remain wary of the Thunder, expecting a counterattack in Game 4.
Mathurin and his teammates understand the importance of replicating their bench strength to push the Thunder to the brink.
In front of a raucous home crowd at their first finals game since 2000, Mathurin and the Pacers could feel the significance of the win as they strive for their ultimate championship goal.
“I’m not trying to live in my dream,” Mathurin reflected.
“I’m trying to live in the present and make sure the dream ends well, which means winning the next game and winning a championship.”
This win not only marks a significant step for the Pacers but also highlights the impact one player’s resilience and preparation can have on a team’s success in the high-stakes environment of the NBA Finals.
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