February** Dynamic Incentive Program In front of the home fans in Indiana, Benedict Mathurin impressed the fans with a stellar performance. As a second-year shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin was named MVP in the 2023 All-Star Weekend Rookie Challenge.
At home games in Indiana, Mathurin wow fans with 18 points in the opening game and helped the team to victory in the following games.
For fans who have been following the Pacers for a long time, it is no secret that Mathurin has shown scoring ability in games. As the rookie of the year favourites at the start of last season, Mathurin quickly proved that he has what it takes to compete in the NBA. While Mathurin may not have received enough attention with the Indiana Pacers, no one can deny that he has a place among the NBA's next generation of talent.
Throughout the Rookie Challenge, Mathurin performed well, scoring 22 points alone, accounting for one-third of the team's total (66 points). From the moment the first game of the rookie game began, Mathurin showed a dynamism unlike any other player. He represents Indiana for a team led by former Pacers player Jalen Rose, and he just wants to put on a great game for the fans.
As soon as the game began, Mathurin showed a strong desire to attack, quickly hitting several baskets to quickly establish a lead for Jalen's team. He scored on a smooth back-to-back layup in a highlight-reel that signaled it was going to be his night.
As the race progressed, Mathurin's enthusiasm continued unabated. In the battle against Jaden Ivey of the Pistons, he was undaunted and gave his all in every confrontation. He drew fouls on opponents, hit difficult shots, and even provided subtle assists for his teammates, showing his basketball talent in full swing.
In every moment of the match, Mathurin was confident that he could get the better of his opponent. In the final stages of the first game, he hit a number of key shots in quick succession, including a step-back three-pointer, to close the score. When he stood at the free throw line, the fans in the stadium had already sounded the MVP cry for him.
In the final moments, Mathurin sealed the win with a difficult mid-range jumper, showing his ability to control the game. Although he only scored 4 points in the final game, his excellent performance before that was enough to ensure that he earned the honor of MVP. For those fans who haven't paid much attention to the Pacers this season, this game is undoubtedly his perfect appearance on the global stage: a bright new star has risen.
Regardless of position, Mathurin has reason to be called one of the most underrated players in the game. His shooting skills can only be matched by more experienced players who have more opportunities to show their talent every night.
Although Mathurin has become an integral part of the Pacers' fight for home-court advantage in the playoffs, Mathurin is still close to truly realizing his potential in the NBA.
There's a confidence in Mathurin's style of play, which stems from his actual performances on the pitch. Once he's put in the right environment, he could be able to score 20-25 or more every night. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has primarily put Mathurin on the bench role, a role he's gradually getting used to in his rookie season.
Since joining the second squad, Mathurin has established himself as a top substitute. Despite only playing just over 25 minutes per game, it's time to consider him as one of the future exponents of the Pacers. In time, the backcourt combination of him and All-Star starter Haliburton could be seen as one of the best in the league.
This season, Mathurin has played in 52 games for the Pacers, starting 15 games, averaging 141 point 38 rebounds and 19 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
Rookie Challenge MVP accolades are often a harbinger of future success, especially for players who are grounded in self-confidence. When Maturin is on a hot spot, he can barely be stopped, and his breakaway layups, sidestep jumpers, outside shots, and finishing ability on transition offense are among the top in the NBA.
All of these elements come together into an efficient style of play. It's time for the rest of the league to recognize his talent — and if the Pacers are looking to make a difference in the playoffs, Mathurin could well be a key ingredient in that. At that point, his Rising Star MVP trophy will be seen as a springboard to a brilliant career.
While the 2022 NBA Draft has featured the likes of Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren, Mathurin's talent is also worth keeping an eye on for the long term.
Guys, don't be surprised to see him on the All-Star team on Sunday night a few seasons later.