In a stunning preseason display, Bennedict Mathurin dazzled the court with a near-perfect 31-point performance, leaving fans and coaches alike in awe. But was it a fluke or a sign of things to come?
The Pacers' young star nearly brought the house down in Indianapolis, showcasing an impressive offensive arsenal. With just two seconds left in the first half, Mathurin sank a 3-pointer, capping off a flawless shooting half. He went into halftime with an astonishing 27 points, shooting 9-of-9 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. And this is just the beginning...
As the game progressed, Mathurin's dominance continued. He added another four points after the break, finishing with an incredible 31 points on 11-of-12 shooting, maintaining his perfection from the 3-point line and the free throw line. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Pacers' coaching staff, led by Rick Carlisle, have a delicate balancing act with Mathurin. They encourage his aggression and ability to create his own shot, but they also want him to fit into their ball-movement-based offense. The challenge is to keep him engaged and effective when All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton returns.
Mathurin's performance on Monday night was a testament to his growth. He demonstrated an understanding of the game, taking the right shots and reading the flow seamlessly. Carlisle praised his ability to let the game come to him, a skill that has been honed over three seasons in the league.
Since being drafted by the Pacers in 2022, Mathurin has proven his scoring prowess. As a rookie, he became the first since Rik Smits to earn first-team All-Rookie honors, and he's consistently averaged over 14.5 points per game. But is there a catch?
Mathurin's tendency to rely on his one-on-one skills, which he's most confident in, can sometimes disrupt the team's flow. Coach Carlisle has been working to refine this aspect of his game, and Monday's performance showed signs of progress. Mathurin scored 12 of the Pacers' first 14 points, showcasing a mix of 3-pointers and quick decision-making.
Teammate and All-Star forward Pascal Siakam was impressed, noting Mathurin's ability to play within the offense and get open shots without wasting dribbles. Mathurin's hustle and off-ball movement also contributed to his success, as he scored on transition plays and sharp cuts.
Carlisle's strategy for Mathurin is clear: sprinting to the corners and moving without the ball are non-negotiables. Mathurin's commitment to this style was evident, and it paid off in his scoring output.
As the Pacers navigate injuries and prepare for the regular season, Mathurin's performance offers a glimpse of what's possible. With a well-rounded game and a supportive cast, he could be a key piece in the team's success. But will he be able to maintain this level of play when it matters most?
The Pacers' upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with Mathurin's development at its core. Will he continue to shine and prove the naysayers wrong? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Mathurin the real deal, or is this preseason performance just a flash in the pan?
