The Indiana Pacers’ bench is stealing the limelight as the NBA Finals intensify. While the team’s starters made their mark, it is T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin who truly altered the game of the series. The pacers leaned heavily on their depth, and in Game 3, they delivered a performance that shifted the momentum in their favor.
McConnell’s relentless energy and defensive attack ignited the Pacers’ comeback in game three, while Mathurin and Toppin provided a much-needed offensive spark. The trio’s combined output staggered and outscored the Oklahoma City Thunder’s bench by 34.1 points per 100 possessions, which speaks volumes about their dominance. Their Numbers, including a significant 129.5 offensive rating and a stifling 95.5 defensive rating, are not only impressive, they are game-changing.
The Pacers’ bench trio of TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin is outscoring the Thunder by 34.1 points per 100 possessions:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 12, 2025
129.5 OffRtg
95.5 DefRtg
+34.1 NetRtg
Indiana’s second unit has been the much-needed spark in the Finals. pic.twitter.com/QOrEALtDyN
With the Pacers taking a 2-1 lead in the series, their bench’s unmatched impact became a key talking point. Their combined effort was nothing short of historic, fueling Indiana’s 116-107 victory and giving them a substantial upper hand with confidence to maintain rhythm for the rest of the series.
Bench Contribution Enlightens Championship Aspirations
McConnel, Mathurin, and Toppin proved to be much more than role players in these finals. In game 3, McConnell led the game with 10 points, five assists, and five steals in just 15 minutes, playing a pivotal role in the Pacers’ 40-point second quarter. However, Mathurin added 27 points off the bench in just 22 minutes, while Toppin’s all-around game helped solidify the Pacers’ control.
Indiana’s bench outscored the Thunder’s by a whopping 49-18, indicating a margin that helped keep the game out of Oklahoma City’s reach in the final moments. The kind of bench depth in a series like the finals. With their second unit contributing so heavily, the Pacers kept the ability to maintain a high tempo.
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As the final progresses, the trio’s continued dominance will play as the X factor for the teams’ success. If McConnell, Mathurin, and Toppin can keep up this level of performance, the Pacers may well be on their way to securing their first NBA title.
Also Read: Someone Uncovered How Caitlin Clark Is Secretly Leading The Indiana Pacers To An NBA Championship
