Bennedict Mathurin started in a career-high 49 regular-season games while appearing in 72 regular-season contests over the course of the year. He recorded three 30-point games, including a career-best 38 points in a win over the New York Knicks in November. That statement, while brief, only scratches the surface of what the young Indiana Pacers guard has meant for the franchise, what his growth represents, and how his development has impacted not only his team but also the wider landscape of the NBA. To fully appreciate Mathurin’s trajectory, one has to dig deeper into his style of play, his mentality, and his importance in the broader scheme of the Pacers’ rise as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
Mathurin entered the league with the kind of swagger that made him instantly noticeable. Drafted sixth overall by Indiana, he carried himself like a player who believed he belonged from the very first moment he stepped on the court. His rookie campaign was filled with flashes of brilliance, but his second season—where he logged the career-high 49 starts and elevated his role within the Pacers’ system—was where fans began to truly understand what kind of star he could become. Playing in 72 games underscored his durability and reliability, two qualities that cannot be underestimated in the grind of an NBA season. More importantly, his ability to step into a larger role without shying away from the challenge highlighted his competitive nature and willingness to embrace responsibility.
The 30-point games, including the spectacular 38-point outburst against the Knicks, were not just statistical achievements but statements of intent. That 38-point night, in particular, showcased the full arsenal of his offensive skill set. Against a defensive-minded team like New York, Mathurin didn’t just score—he attacked relentlessly, finishing at the rim, pulling up with confidence, and hitting shots in rhythm. It was the type of performance that makes the league stand up and take notice. When a young player puts up that kind of scoring total against a storied franchise in one of the league’s most visible markets, it resonates beyond the box score. It becomes a signpost on the road to stardom.
What makes Mathurin’s game so appealing to both fans and analysts is his blend of athleticism and poise. He plays with a level of explosiveness that forces defenders to stay on their heels, but he is also developing the patience to let plays unfold. That balance is difficult for a young guard to master, but Mathurin has shown glimpses of it. When he first came into the league, his scoring was heavily reliant on his ability to get to the rim and his confidence in shooting early in the shot clock. Over time, however, he has added more nuance—reading defenses better, understanding how to use screens, and recognizing when to facilitate for teammates rather than forcing the issue. These are the kinds of refinements that separate good scorers from long-term offensive engines.
His three 30-point games were representative of his growth in that area. Each one had its own flavor. One game saw him rely on slashing and attacking transition opportunities, another highlighted his mid-range and outside shooting, while the 38-point masterpiece displayed the totality of his offensive gifts. In many ways, Mathurin is becoming the kind of player who can score in a multitude of ways depending on what the defense gives him, and that is the hallmark of an elite scorer. He’s not locked into a single identity—he’s learning to be adaptable, which makes him far more dangerous.
The Pacers themselves are a team in transition, building around a dynamic core led by Tyrese Haliburton. For Indiana to take the next step toward contention, they need complementary stars who can alleviate the burden on their All-Star guard, and Mathurin has positioned himself as the most natural fit for that role. Haliburton’s playmaking and ability to create opportunities pairs beautifully with Mathurin’s scoring instincts. The two form a young duo that could shape the Eastern Conference for years if their trajectories continue upward. Haliburton thrives on orchestrating the offense, and Mathurin thrives on finishing plays, attacking mismatches, and playing with aggression. Together, they bring a balance of skill sets that many teams envy.
But Mathurin’s value isn’t confined solely to his scoring. His effort on defense, while still a work in progress, has shown real improvement. Early in his career, he sometimes gambled too much or relied too heavily on his athleticism without fully understanding positioning. However, with experience, he has started to channel that athleticism more effectively. He’s shown the willingness to guard multiple positions and the competitive edge to take matchups personally. For the Pacers to evolve into a complete team, Mathurin’s continued defensive growth will be essential, and his trajectory suggests he’s buying into that responsibility.
His mentality also deserves recognition. There’s a fearlessness in the way Mathurin approaches the game. Even as a rookie, he declared that he believed he could be as good as anyone in the league, including LeBron James. While some dismissed those comments as youthful bravado, they were also an early indicator of his mindset. He doesn’t view himself as simply happy to be in the league; he sees himself as destined to be great. That kind of self-belief is often a prerequisite for success at the highest levels, and in Mathurin’s case, it translates into the way he plays—attacking defenders, seeking out big moments, and refusing to back down.
The 2023–24 season, in which he logged those career-high starts and scoring explosions, also underscored his endurance and ability to navigate the grueling NBA schedule. Appearing in 72 games is no small feat, especially for a young player still adjusting to the rigors of professional basketball. Staying healthy and consistent while carrying a heavier workload is a testament to his conditioning and dedication. It also reflects his understanding of what it takes to be a foundational piece for a franchise, where availability is as crucial as ability.
Looking beyond the raw numbers, Mathurin’s presence has energized Indiana’s fan base. The Pacers have long been a team searching for a new identity after the Paul George era, and Mathurin represents a player fans can rally behind. His energy, highlight-reel plays, and willingness to embrace the spotlight make him a natural face of the franchise alongside Haliburton. For a market like Indiana, which thrives on gritty, passionate basketball, having a player like Mathurin who embodies those traits is invaluable.
Of course, the road ahead is still filled with challenges. For Mathurin to truly elevate into All-Star and eventually All-NBA territory, he must continue sharpening his decision-making, particularly when defenses key in on him. Learning how to handle traps, how to create for others when his shot isn’t falling, and how to impact the game without scoring are all next steps. Great players evolve from scorers into all-around threats, and Mathurin has the tools to make that leap. His rebounding and passing numbers are areas where he can expand his impact, turning himself into a more complete player who influences multiple facets of the game.
Still, what stands out most is the undeniable trajectory. The flashes are becoming more consistent, the big games are arriving with more regularity, and the confidence is backed up by production. The fact that he has already put up multiple 30-point performances, including one nearly reaching the 40-point mark, signals that the leap from promising prospect to budding star is well underway. For the Pacers, this is not just encouraging—it’s transformative. A franchise that has hovered around the middle of the Eastern Conference standings now has a clear path forward with Haliburton and Mathurin as cornerstones.
If one zooms out to the broader NBA picture, Mathurin’s rise also fits into a larger trend of young guards reshaping the league. Players like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Green are all carving out spaces as high-level scorers who blend athleticism with skill. Mathurin belongs in that conversation, and performances like his 38-point dismantling of the Knicks serve as proof. The NBA is increasingly becoming a league driven by versatile, confident perimeter players who can create their own offense, and Mathurin is proving he can be one of those players.
In reflecting on his season, what’s most striking is not just the numbers but the sense of inevitability. Watching Mathurin, one gets the impression that these kinds of performances will not be outliers for long. The 30-point nights will become more frequent, the career highs will continue to climb, and the spotlight will only grow brighter. For Indiana, this means they are not just developing a talented young guard—they are cultivating a star who can redefine the ceiling of their franchise. For the NBA, it means another dynamic scorer is emerging to carry the league forward into its next era.
Bennedict Mathurin’s 2023–24 season is, therefore, best understood not as a finished product but as a chapter in a much larger story. The 49 starts, the 72 appearances, the trio of 30-point games, and the unforgettable 38-point showcase are milestones on a path that promises even greater heights. He has already established himself as a player capable of electrifying performances and critical contributions. The challenge now is to build on that foundation, to grow from promise into dominance, and to take his place among the league’s elite. Judging by his mindset, his work ethic, and his fearless approach to the game, there’s every reason to believe that Bennedict Mathurin is only just beginning to show the world what he can truly become.
