INDIANAPOLIS — With only a few seconds left in Game 3 of the NBA Finals between OKC and Indiana, a chant began to spread throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“MVP,” the crowd hollered. “MVP.”
But it wasn’t directed toward Tyrese Haliburton, as one would expect. It wasn’t even meant for any of Indiana’s other four starters.
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It was for Bennedict Mathurin, who was shooting a pair of free throws down the stretch of the Pacers’ 116-107 home win. He made both, giving him a final total of 27 points in just 22 minutes off the bench.
If you think that’s a crazy stat, check these out: Since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, Mathurin is one of only six players who has scored more than 25 points in a Finals game at age 22 or younger. He also scored the most points off the bench in a Finals game since Jason Terry (27 points) in 2011.
And while Mathurin received “MVP” chants inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a different phrase was thrown around on social media: Role players play better at home.
It’s a theory believed by many people in the basketball world, and Mathurin’s big night seems to support it. So did the performance by T.J. McConnell, who recorded 10 points, five assists and five steals in just 15 minutes off the bench during Indiana’s home win.
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But have role players actually played better at home throughout the entire NBA Playoffs? Let’s see what the numbers say.
More: How T.J. McConnell, Pacers snatched Game 3 away from Thunder to take 2-1 NBA Finals lead
What makes an NBA role player?
It depends on who you ask.
Some starters certainly could be considered role players. But, for the sake of keeping things simple and avoiding subjectivity, I labeled a role player as someone who usually comes off the bench.
For example, OKC’s Cason Wallace was counted as a role player rather than Isaiah Hartenstein. Even though Wallace has started in every game of the Finals so far, Hartenstein has mostly been a starter throughout the season.
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In the Eastern Conference, Boston’s Al Horford was counted as a role player rather than Kristaps Porzingis. Horford made more starts this postseason, but Porzingis usually starts over him when healthy.
Does that make sense? Cool. Let’s actually get into the numbers now.
More: OKC Thunder falls into 2-1 hole in NBA Finals vs Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers | 5 takeaways
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) shoots a 3-pointer pver Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 8, 2025. Oklahoma City won 123-107.
Role player stats at home vs on the road in NBA Playoffs
After gathering the average stats for role players on all 16 teams this postseason, the difference between home and away splits is marginal.
Role players have averaged a combined 30 points, 13.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per home game. They’ve shot 45.2% from the field and 36.4% from deep.
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All of those numbers took a slight dip on the road. Role players averaged a combined 28.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists. They shot 43.2% from the field and 35.1% from deep.
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Do NBA role players play better at home?
The stats say yes, but it’s not by much.
Role players surely get a boost when playing at home, just like everyone else on the team. But let’s not act like their talents are stolen by the Nerdlucks in “Space Jam” once they hit the road.
It’s also important to note that the production of a role player is naturally prone to fluctuation. Rhythms are harder to find and retain when you’re not consistently involved.
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So while Mathurin erupted for 27 points in 22 minutes at home in Game 3 against OKC, he also recorded five points and three turnovers in 16 minutes at home in Game 4 against Milwaukee. And he racked up 23 points and nine boards in 25 minutes on the road in Game 5 against New York.
Variance comes with the territory, regardless of where it’s located.
“Especially for guys who aren’t the first options for teams, so much of it just varies on the game,” OKC guard Aaron Wiggins said. “It kind of depends on the flow of the game and the rhythm of the game. (Mathurin and McConnell) came into the game and just kind of changed it.
“But those are two great players who can do the same thing on the road if you allow them to. I think it’s more so rhythm of the game (than location).”
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More: Thunder vs Pacers prediction: NBA Finals Game 4 odds, injury updates for OKC-Indiana
Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @JTheSportsDude. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Do NBA role players play better at home? Here’s what the numbers say.