Pacers Rely on Bennedict Mathurin to Lead by Example

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Nov 14, 2024 2:51 PM ET

Over the first two seasons of his NBA career, Bennedict Mathurin averaged a solid 15.8 points and four rebounds per game. This season, he has unlocked a new level, and is posting 19.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, and is a much better 3-point shooter.

As the Pacers fall to 5-6 on the season, they need talent wherever they can get it, and are hoping that Mathurin can be the jolt of energy the team desperately needs.

In Wednesday's 94-90 loss to the Orlando Magic, Mathurin led all players with 12 rebounds, although a lackluster effort on the boards by the rest of the team resulted in a loss. Coupled with his 23 points, it was Mathurin's third double-double on the season, and he is quickly emerging as one of the Pacers' best players.

"The rebounding has been impressive," said Rick Carlisle of Mathurin after the game. "He led our team with 12 tonight, and we needed to have more guys get into the mix with all that. But 23 points, at the end of the game, he manufactured some points, and we were just having a hard time getting good looks. Got to the free-throw line. He does those things very, very well."

Between James Johnson, TJ McConnell, Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have a good amount of established NBA veterans to lead the team, but the on-court production hasn't really been up to par. Mathurin has emerged as a high-level player, and if he can continue to improve he should be given plenty of additional responsibility both on and off the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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