Tyrese Haliburton Wasn't the Only Game 2 Hero, Bennedict Mathurin Stepped Up When Needed

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 last night at Rocket Arena and took a 2-0 series lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. Bennedict Mathurin provided much-needed support off the bench for Indiana and continues to prove that he’s a difference maker in this year’s playoffs after being sidelined with a shoulder injury during the team’s postseason run last year.

Mathurin chipped in 19 points in just 20 minutes off the bench while shooting an efficient 60 percent on six of ten shots from 3-point range. Mathurin’s role as a microwave off the bench for the Pacers is essential to the success of the team. While he won’t be counted on to be the primary scorer every game, he leads Indiana’s second unit with his ability to score on all three levels of the floor.

Following Game 2, Mathurin spoke on head coach Rick Carlisle’s decision to roll out an all-sub lineup midway through the third quarter.

“That’s when I pretty much got it going, and I think it was a great opportunity to go out there and take advantage of the timing to give the team a scoring boost. I feel like scoring is my biggest ability, so I had the chance to be able to do it and I think I did it pretty well,” Mathurin said.

Getting the most out of key role players is always important if a team wants to win a seven-game series, and Mathurin must continue being a star in his role for the Pacers to advance.