In a game that will go down in NBA history, Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 points off the bench in a 116-107 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

But let's take a closer look at who the burgeoning Canadian star is, where he comes from, and why the basketball world should pay attention to him for those who are just now learning about him.

Who is Bennedict Mathurin?

Mathurin was born and raised in Montreal, and he didn't follow the usual path to NBA superstardom. He was the first Canadian-born athlete to pledge to the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City. After that, he attended the University of Arizona, where he played collegiate basketball.

The career of Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during his sophomore year (2021–22) at Arizona. He received All-American accolades and Pac-12 Player of the Year honors because to his fluid shooting and flickable drives. Although the Wildcats' run to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament was unexpected, he guided them there.

Mathurin was the sixth overall pick for the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA Draft. He soon after agreed to a rookie-scale deal, a four-year contract worth more than $29 million, with team options for the third and fourth years.

Mathurin scored a game-high 27 points in Game 3 on Wednesday night, coming off the bench with a desire to prove himself as the Finals were tied 1-1.

In an NBA Finals game, Mathurin established a new record for the most points scored by a Canadian off the bench, according to Sportsnet Stats' X post. Kelly Olynyk's 24 points in 2020 were the previous high. Mathurin's efficiency in scoring was demonstrated by his 9-for-12 shooting from the field, which included 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, and 7-for-8 from the foul line.

Mathurin had a silent five-point performance in Game 1, then scored 14 in Game 2 before going crazy in Game 3. He's gaining momentum at the ideal moment, especially since he missed last year's playoff run due to injury.

Mathurin had a significant impact on the Pacers' bench's 49-18 advantage over the Thunder.

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