Tyrese Haliburton hailed a true team performance after the Indiana Pacers battled past the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 to claim a 2-1 advantage in the NBA Finals.
The energetic guard led by example, producing 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in a stunning all-round display.
Although the Pacers trailed by five points heading into the final quarter, they responded brilliantly by turning the game on its head. Their bench proved pivotal once again, delivering a remarkable 49-18 scoring edge over the Thunder’s second unit.
Notably, Bennedict Mathurin delivered an explosive performance off the bench as he racked up 27 points at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This contribution did not go unnoticed, as Haliburton praised his teammate’s impact alongside the collective effort from the entire squad.
“So many guys stepped up,” Haliburton reflected. “Ben Mathurin was phenomenal off the bench. We just kept making play after play.” Mathurin, in agreement, emphasised the need for aggression. He added that resilience is the secret weapon in crucial matchups like this.
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Importantly, the Pacers bounced back from their game two defeat with conviction, maintaining their impressive streak of avoiding back-to-back losses since March.
For the Thunder, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was restricted to just three points in the decisive fourth quarter, The player finished with 24 overall. Jalem Williams led the visitors with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren posted a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.
However, turnovers haunted the Thunder throughout, as they committed 19 costly errors which gifted the Pacers 21 points. This vulnerability in possession ultimately swung the contest in Indiana’s favour during the crucial late stages.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault admitted his side were outclassed when it mattered most. “In the fourth quarter, they simply outplayed us on both ends,” he conceded, acknowledging the Pacers’ superior execution.
Tags: Tyrese Haliburton, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, #NBAFinals, Mark Daigneault, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalem Williams, Bennedict Mathurin.
