Bennedict Mathurin can be streaky, but when he's hot, he is unstoppable and can make a big impact. The Indiana Pacers already knew that about him, and he just further proved it on Monday.
In the first half of the Pacers' preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs, Mathurin scored 27 points on 9-for-9 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from deep.
It's only preseason, but that should not make this more exciting for Mathurin, the team, and the fans. A lot of eyes will be on him this season as he looks to make his stance in Indiana crystal clear. And, if his performance is any indication, then the Pacers may be in for a wild season.
Bennedcit Mathurin pulls up from 33 feet to beat the halftime buzzer 🤯
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 14, 2025
he was PERFECT in the first half 💯
27 PTS | 9-9 FG | 4-4 3PT | 5-5 FT pic.twitter.com/O1Fxf4xgFc
Bennedict Mathurin needs to further showcase his talents this season
There is a lot to like about Mathurin's game, and this was a great showing of what makes him so special.
The Arizona alum is a fantastic scorer who can get hot in a hurry. Last season, Mathurin had 12 games where he scored double-digit points in 20 or fewer minutes. This included a fantastic 24-point performance, where he shot 11-for-14 from the field and led the team in scoring in just 25 minutes (which was, ironically, also against San Antonio).
Additionally, Mathurin can get buckets in numerous ways.
He can shoot from the perimeter and the mid-range, he can cut to the rim, and he can score off catch-and-shoot plays, but perhaps most importantly, he can create his own shot. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton out for the season due to an Achilles injury, many Pacers are going to have to find other ways to generate offense. This is exactly where Mathurin shines, and it is why he could be in line for a career year.
The 23-year-old will be the Pacers' full-time starting shooting guard this season, and it will be a great opportunity for him to showcase exactly what he is made of.
In his expanded role, Mathurin will need to become a better defender and overall team player to prove he can fit in Indiana's system. During the offseason, head coach Rick Carlisle explained exactly what he wants to see out of Mathurin in a bigger role.
"In Benn's case, we need him to be a great runner, a great decision-maker. As a movement guy, he's come lightyears and he really understands, and so this year, with him as a starter on day one, this is his job to lose," Carlisle said.
However, above all else, he needs to keep doing exactly what makes him so special, which is to score at will.
The Canadian native stepped up numerous times for the Pacers last season, especially in the NBA Finals. This upcoming season, the Pacers will rely on him much more heavily to score points, create shots, and make life difficult for opposing defenses.
Though the season has not started yet, things are already looking good for the fourth-year pro.
In only one half of preseason basketball, Mathurin sent a big message to the Pacers and the NBA world. He has something to prove, and based on this performance, he is ready to take that next step and make a name for himself.
Mathurin will be worth keeping an eye on as how he performs will play a big role in whether he will be with the Pacers for the long run.