In a badly started match in the first half against the Knicks, Bennedict Mathurin had no intention of losing for his first official home outing. The Pacers rookie took things in hand with 27 points at 8/13 on shots, 4 rebounds, a huge windmill dunk for the artistic note and the victory at the end (109-100).
Facing fellow Canadian RJ Barrett, he impressed above all with his physical and mental maturity. Without panicking, the former Arizona player went to get his points on the penalty line, finishing the match with an excellent 11/12 on throws.
“I was able to go on the line often, and that’s what started me. Maybe it’s something I have to do every game, cause the fouls to go to the shots. »
With his explosive first step, Bennedict Mathurin also has the advantage of being able to withstand (many) contacts on his way to the circle. Not a rookie like the others, the native of Montreal (like Lu Dort) already knows how to make his way among the monsters of NBA rackets.
“For a young player, he really has a knack for finding the gaps in the defense and rushing through them avoiding the force passages, getting contact, and in many cases, to finish”, enjoy Rick Carlisle on Pacers website. ” It is an art. That many players develop over the years. »
“He is more athletic than 90% of the other players in his position”
Ahead of his time in the art of penetration, Bennedict Mathurin has been performing well in pre-season. After a 15-point game for his debut against Charlotte, he upped the ante at Madison Square Garden with 19 points and 5 rebounds.
And last night, he continued his rise, still above 50% success on shots in preseason. A very good omen for the Pacers in full reconstruction around Tyrese Haliburton… while waiting for the next transfer of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner to really start on a completely new basis?
“He has a lot of potential. He is super aggressive as soon as he arrives in the League”, adds his teammate Goga Bitadze. “He is already very strong, very athletic, so it makes things easier for him. I think he’s more athletic than 90% of the other players in his position. And he loves to work! »
In any case, Bennedict Mathurin is currently succeeding in his transition to the NBA. Big scorer with the Wildcats last season, at 18 points on average, and logically elected best player in his conference, the Pac-12, he is already enjoying the state of Indiana which breathes the orange ball.
” It’s awesome ! I like. Indy is my new city, it’s my new home »did he declare after the game. ” I am really happy. My first outing in front of our fans was pretty good. We got the win. I can’t wait to come back on Friday and go for another win. »
