Pacers need more from Bennedict Mathurin
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — A 2-0 series lead has turned into a Game 3 loss, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 4. Sound familiar? It happened against Milwaukee. It happened against Cleveland. And now it has happened against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Indiana Pacers responded to those other Game 3 losses, and they’ll try to do it again on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The result will either be a commanding 3-1 lead, or it will be a complete shift in the series if the Pacers give home court advantage right back to their rivals. One of the key story-lines for Indy’s hopes in Game 4 and beyond will be the play of their usual 6th-man, Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin has been a no-show in this series so far, after dominating the Knicks in the regular season throughout his young career. On the broadcast during Game 3, Pacer legend Reggie Miller said “Mathurin has been so bad for the Pacers this series,” and you can’t argue with him. After averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this season, Mathurin is averaging just 3.7 points in 13.4 minutes per game in this series. He was instrumental in the first two rounds, at times flashing some of that talent the Pacers missed in last year’s post-season. He was averaging 17.7 points in the series against Cleveland before his ejection in Game 4, and he hasn’t been the same player since.
The Pacers typically have enough depth to maintain their success when certain players in the rotation aren’t performing. We’ve seen it time and time again, as it’s one of the strengths of this team. For Game 4, however, the Pacers probably need a lot more from the number six overall pick in the 2022 draft. Aaron Nesmith is questionable and will be a game-time decision after rolling his ankle in Game 3. Nesmith returned in that game, but ankle injuries can worsen in the days following the injury. If Nesmith can’t go or is limited at all, the Pacers desperately need the better version of Bennedict Mathurin to step up.
Some will argue Mathurin shouldn’t even see the floor if he’s going to continue playing at his current level. The Pacers may not have that option if Nesmith is limited. Additionally, Mathurin is another one of those Pacer players that can give you nothing one night, and everything the next. He’s a guy you have to put out there and see what you can get, and then adjust from there. A 15-20 point performance from Mathurin wouldn’t surprise me at all, just as another no-show wouldn’t surprise me much either. It’s up to Rick Carlisle, the coaching staff, and of course Mathurin himself to figure out how #00 can be unlocked and unleashed in this series. As scary as it may sound for Pacer fans, he might be the biggest key to Tuesday’s night game.
The Pacers are 39-22 this season (including playoffs) when Mathurin scores 10+ points. Mathurin actually led the Pacers in 4th quarter scoring average for the entire season. When he’s on, he gives this team a different dynamic on offense, taking the pressure off several other players. When he’s off, he can really hurt the ball movement, defense, and overall flow of the team. He’s also walked a fine line between passion and irresponsible actions in these playoffs. The good news for the Pacers is that we’ve seen this before, and then Mathurin shows up with a big game. Much like the team itself, Mathurin has often responded whenever he’s doubted. He has a passion for winning and competition. He’s probably been thinking about the potential Nesmith injury since it happened, and how he can be a bigger factor for his team.
If I’m Rick Carlisle, I’m drawing up some early sets for Mathurin to try and get him going. If he gets an early bucket or two, it can change everything for him this series. If he continues to struggle, it might be another short leash.
As for the game itself, the Pacers can make up for a lot of mistakes if they simply have a better shooting night. They went just 5-for-25 from three in Sunday’s loss, and still only lost by six. Game 4 against Cleveland was the same scenario, and they responded with their best game of the season. Can they do it again on Tuesday night? The Knicks’ season was toast, and it’s like the Pacers handed it right back to them. Both of these teams are now 6-1 on the road in the playoffs. Every game will likely be a war and potentially come down to the final few plays. Game 3 was a really tough loss to take after building a 20-point lead. At the same time, the Pacers and all their fans would have taken a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals if given that opportunity.
Bring on the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
