Reserves Set Pace To Inspire Indiana

Mathurin and McConnell help Pacers' bench contribute 49pts as they take lead in NBA Finals

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INDIANAPOLIS - National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals marquees are not for backups. However, as the 20,000 golden T-shirts at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse said on June 11, "But this is Indiana".

Reserve guards Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell helped Indiana's bench break out with 49 points, as the Indiana Pacers topped the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 to claim a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton finished one rebound shy of a triple-double and did not entirely shed his playoff cape. He provided ample heroics with 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and Pascal Siakam added 21 points for the Pacers, who have not lost consecutive games since March.

Still, the game swung in a serious way on the fearless energy and competitive teeth of the Indiana bench.

"Those guys were tremendous," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said of his reserves.

"T.J. just brought a competitive will to the game. This is the kind of team we are. This is how we have to do it. We have to make it as difficult on them as we can."