The NBA finals are turning out to be one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory. With each passing game, the pendulum swings to and fro. While the Indiana Pacers got the initial lead, the Oklahoma City Thunder drew level twice. Now, as the all-important Game 5 approaches, the tensions are reaching a new peak. Meanwhile, as the speculations and rumors are running wild, Gilbert Arenas had an interesting take about why the Indiana Pacers might run away with the title.
In a recent appearance on his podcast, Arenas stated that the Pacers’ bench strength is next level, and that has been making all the difference. Arenas pointed out that the likes of T.J. McConnell are coming off the bench and wreaking havoc. He is running into the Thunder’s defense and making life miserable for them. And this was not all. Another threat coming from the Pacers’ bench is Bennedict Mathurine.
“It’s the bench that’s changing the game for the Pacers. You know, TJ coming in the game, it’s a different feel when he comes in the game. Because he’s a lot faster, he doesn’t have that bop around game. He’s just going downhill. It kind of changes the tempo of the offense and it kind of puts the defense at a response, like they got to collapse a little bit more than they do with Halle. And that leaves open shots for, you know, somebody like Ben,” said Arenas.
The Pacers’ bench is the biggest factor to them winning a championship 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/2vwmRfLjFv
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) June 15, 2025
Surely, Arenas has a point. In both the games the Pacers won, Mathurine had a significant impact. Take Game 3, for example. With the Pacers looking in a bit of trouble, Mathurine came off the bench and ran away with the game.
Bennedict Mathurine Shines For Indiana Pacers In Game 3
The Indiana Pacers went into Game 3 with a must-win mindset. And just when the chips were looking a bit down for them, Bennedict Mathurine came from the bench to deliver a performance gem. Mathurine played just 22 minutes, enough for him to make a significant impact.
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Bennedict Mathurin led all scorers 😳
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 12, 2025
27 points on 9/12 FG 🔥
(via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/5pGMECLkyo
Dropping 27 points on the night, Mathurine also added four rebounds and one assist to his name. Thus, with the Pacers threatening to take the game away from the Thunder, what happens next remains to be seen.
Also Read: Someone Uncovered How Caitlin Clark Is Secretly Leading The Indiana Pacers To An NBA Championship
