NBA Notes: Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin, Suns, Mark Williams, Timberwolves

Pacers

The Pacers fell to the Spurs 124-108 on Monday, but Bennedict Mathurin stole the show. The third-year guard erupted for 31 points on 11-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 9-for-9 first half that reminded everyone why Indiana views him as a cornerstone scorer with Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, wrote Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star.

Pascal Siakam added 17 points, and Jarace Walker chipped in 12, but Indiana’s depth continues to be tested by injuries. With several key reserves sidelined, the Pacers’ second unit struggled to keep pace.

Cameron Payne, recently signed as backcourt insurance, finally got on the board with 10 points after going scoreless in his debut. Still, the Pacers’ bench was outscored heavily, and their reserve centers combined to shoot 0-for-10.

Suns

The Suns are back stateside after a week in China, where they played two games against the Nets in Macao. Head coach Jordan Ott called the experience “pretty cool,” noting that for many players, it was their first trip overseas.

“We’re very, very grateful,” Ott said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “It’s amazing where basketball takes all of us.”

Phoenix split the two matchups with Brooklyn — winning 132-127 in overtime on Oct. 10 before falling 111-109 in the rematch — to move to 2-1 in preseason play. There won’t be much downtime, though, as the Suns host the Lakers in their preseason finale Tuesday night.

Notably, Jalen Green and Mark Williams, two key offseason additions, have yet to play this preseason. Green has been sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Williams has been on a structured strength program since joining the team. Both are expected to debut on opening night, Oct. 22 against the Kings.

Williams, who came over in a trade from Charlotte, said he’s ready to go: “I’ll be playing opening night. I’ll be ready for that.”

Timberwolves

Second-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is quietly emerging as one of the Timberwolves’ most intriguing breakout candidates, wrote Jalon Dixon of Heavy Sports.

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker gone, Shannon now has a path to meaningful minutes behind Anthony Edwards — and he’s ready for it.

“I feel like I’m better all around,” Shannon said. “You learn a lot your first year — the speed, tendencies, what coaches want. I’ve grown a lot.”

That growth showed late last postseason, when Shannon gave the Wolves a burst of energy in the Western Conference Finals. He’s since spent the offseason battling Edwards in one-on-one sessions to sharpen his defense.

“When you’re playing Ant every day, you’re ready for anybody,” Shannon said.

Now, he’s aiming to fill Alexander-Walker’s two-way role — defending, running the floor, and knocking down open threes.

For a Wolves team already built around toughness and discipline, Shannon’s development could be another small step toward staying among the West’s elite.