Los Pacers They lead the series after the victory at home 116-107, The first they achieve in a NBA final in Indianapolis in 25 yearsand they do it with a very solid and coral match of the entire team. Haliburton stayed close to triple double (22 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds) And he was escorted by guests who did not appear at first at the party. We talk about Canadian Bennedict Mathurin, among others.
Indiana made an exceptional second quarter and that in part, is due to Mathurin's performance. The escort ended with 27 points, 9/12 in TC in 22 minutes. This way, Jason Terry and Manu Ginobili joins as the third player who starts from the bench and scores 25 points or more in a NBA final in this century. Haliburton had luxury squires today. The top scorer was Mathurinhaving names as their classmates ahead Siakam, elvel or, is a contrario, Shaii Gilgeous-Alexander.
Indiana Pacers 116-107 Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals (2-1)
Mathurin understood what the game asked and The minutes that was on the track coincided with the best sections of the Pacers in the game. Very solid in defense, good shooting selection and energy and intensity that made the Pacers end up winning at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In just 22 minutes, the Canadian gave a basketball exhibition.
Mathurin declared eligible to the 2022 draft and the Pacers chose him in the number six. He is the first Montreal player to be a coach in the draft. Chosen at the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023, Mathurin was gradually making a hole in the team. His regular season is not negligible. In 72 games, Mathurin has averaged 16.1 points, and 45.8% in TC. The Canadian was already the Maximum scorer of his with 23 points (4/6 T2, 2/4 T3 and 9/9 TL) and 8 rebounds in the fifth match of the East Final with the Knicks.
TJ McConnell, key in defense in a few minutes
Indiana was largely held by Mathurin and the performance of T.J. McConnell that in 15 minutes on track gave a basketball recital. The American managed 10 points, 5 assists and 5 robberies in a quarter of an hour. McConnell has been in the ranks of the Pacers since 2019 and is one of the most beloved players in the locker room for their fight and delivery.
That of Pennsylvania completed The second greater number of robberies leaving from the bench in a NBA final. He is a player with a Great IQ on the court and very well worked automatisms. It has been Secar at the Wiggins the Wiggins which has prevented that second line of OKC would not shine so much. McConell has been pure energy but, above all, brain and experience to ensure the victory of the Pacers 116-107 and search The 3-1 next Saturday morning in Indianapolis.
