A bold claim claim about basketball legend LeBron James is finally coming true after a huge performance in the NBA Finals.
The Indiana Pacers retook their lead in the 2025 Finals with a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three.
At the heart of the Pacers' victory was Bennedict Mathurin, who scored an impressive 27 points off the bench.
It was the most by a reserve in an NBA finals since Jason Terry for the Dallas Mavericks back in 2011.
Advert
Following Mathurin's impressive showing, NBA on ESPN reposted comments the 22-year-old made in June 2022, ahead of his first game against James.
He said: "I don't think anybody is better than me. LeBron is going to have to show me he's better than me."
It was a bold statement for Mathurin to make in his rookie season.
But his performance in the NBA finals has led some to speculate that his bold comments may now be coming true.
How did fans react?
After Mathurin's comments resurfaced, many fans on X were divided, sparking an interesting debate.
@wagerkingz_ said: "I respect the confidence lmao."
@jokicgoatic15 added: "He ain't wrong. He clears Bron."
Supporters of Mathurin praised his self-belief, seeing his confidence as a key part of his rise.
But many were quick to defend James, who is widely considered one of the greatest players in history.
He has won four NBA championships, securing a ring with each of the three teams he has played for: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and currently the Los Angeles Lakers.
While there is currently speculation over the future of the NBA's all-time leading scorer, he has a lot of loyal fans.
@VolLordTN wrote: "Let us know when you become the all-time leading scorer."
@MNRCH42 added: "He really said this?? What a bozo."
What happened in game three?
The Pacers won the game from the bench, outscoring the Thunder's reserves 49-18.
As well as Mathurin's 27 points, TJ McConnell played a crucial role as Indiana overturned a five-point deficit to take control of the series.
Tyrese Haliburton, whose late basket in game 1 was the latest NBA finals winning shot for 28 years, praised his teammates.
Haliburton said: “We just had guys make plays after plays.
“Our bench was amazing.”
With the win, the Pacers are only two victories away from winning the NBA.
Historically, teams that have won game three of an NBA finals when the series is tied at 1-1, have gone on to lift the championship 80.5% of the time.
Topics: NBA, Lebron James, Basketball, LA Lakers
James Taylor