Bennedict Mathurin’s preseason performance for the Indiana Pacers was nothing short of spectacular, a true masterclass that sent ripples of excitement through the basketball world. In just 23 minutes on the court, he put on a show that left fans, analysts, and teammates in awe. Scoring 31 points on an incredibly efficient 92% shooting, hitting every three-pointer he attempted at 100%, and converting every free throw, he demonstrated an elite level of skill and composure rarely seen in such a short burst of time. What makes this performance even more impressive is the context in which it occurred: the preseason, where young players often get a chance to prove themselves and carve out their roles, yet it’s rare to see such a dominant and efficient display of scoring prowess paired with solid contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals.
From the opening tip-off, Mathurin showcased a blend of smooth shooting mechanics, quick footwork, and an aggressive mentality that clearly signaled he was ready to carry a significant offensive load for the Pacers. His shooting percentages alone tell a story of a player in complete control of his game. Shooting 92% from the field, especially when accounting for a 100% clip from beyond the arc, indicates not only a high volume of shots made but also a careful selection of shots and an ability to execute under pressure. To nail every three-pointer you take is an extraordinary feat. It’s one thing to be a good shooter in practice or during a stretch of games, but to come out firing with perfect accuracy from deep in a competitive setting shows a mental sharpness and confidence that’s crucial for a player stepping into a bigger role.
The 31 points he scored are impressive on their own, but when you consider the time frame—just 23 minutes—it translates to an incredible scoring rate. Mathurin was essentially putting up nearly a point and a half per minute, a pace that, if sustained over a full game, would put him among the league’s elite scorers. This kind of efficiency is gold for any team because it means the player isn’t just scoring a lot, but doing so without wasting possessions or forcing bad shots. That balance between aggression and efficiency is what separates good players from great ones. And for a young player like Mathurin, this kind of performance not only builds his confidence but also tells the coaching staff and front office that he’s ready to be a central figure in the Pacers’ offensive schemes.
But scoring isn’t the whole story. Mathurin also contributed four rebounds, showing his willingness to engage physically and help the team beyond just putting the ball in the basket. Rebounding is often an underrated skill for wings because it reflects a player’s hustle, awareness, and commitment to helping the team in all facets of the game. Securing four boards in under half a game’s worth of minutes is a solid contribution, especially considering he was likely focusing heavily on his offensive responsibilities. It highlights his versatility and potential to impact the game in multiple ways, which is critical for a young player trying to establish himself as a reliable two-way asset.
On top of scoring and rebounding, Mathurin added an assist and a steal, further showcasing his all-around game. The assist indicates that he’s not just a scorer but also a playmaker willing to create opportunities for his teammates. In today’s NBA, guards and wings are often expected to facilitate offense and keep the ball moving, and Mathurin’s ability to find open players and make the right decisions adds another layer to his value. The steal shows his defensive instincts and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Defense is often the area where young players struggle the most, but getting a steal in limited minutes is a sign that Mathurin is engaged and has the potential to be a pest on the defensive end.
One of the remarkable aspects of this performance is the perfect shooting from the free-throw line. Hitting 100% from the charity stripe in a high-scoring game is no small feat. Free throws are often a mental game, especially when a player is locked in and performing at a high level offensively. Maintaining composure and knocking down every free throw contributes to overall scoring efficiency and can be a crucial difference in close games. For Mathurin, this shows that he can be trusted to capitalize on those opportunities and potentially be a go-to option late in games when free throws matter most.
The Pacers have been in a rebuilding phase for some time, and performances like Mathurin’s give fans a glimpse of the bright future ahead. A young, dynamic scorer who can shoot lights out, rebound, defend, and make plays is exactly the kind of cornerstone piece a team needs to build around. His preseason masterclass suggests that the Pacers’ investment in him is already paying dividends. While the regular season will undoubtedly be more challenging, with defenses focusing more intensely on him, this kind of efficient, explosive performance in the preseason sets the tone and gives the team a blueprint for how to leverage his talents moving forward.
Moreover, this game can serve as a huge confidence booster for Mathurin. Young players often face pressure to prove themselves early in their careers, and a performance like this answers any doubts about his ability to perform at a high level. It sends a clear message to the coaching staff that he deserves significant playing time and can be relied upon in clutch situations. For the team, having a player who can carry the scoring load efficiently relieves pressure on other stars and spreads the offensive threat, making the Pacers a more dangerous team overall.
This kind of efficiency and scoring explosion also forces opponents to adjust their defensive schemes. Mathurin’s ability to hit every three-pointer and convert at such a high field goal percentage means defenses can’t afford to leave him open. That attention can create space for his teammates, improving the team’s overall offensive flow. As defenses start to game-plan around him, Mathurin will need to continue developing other aspects of his game—such as passing, driving, and defense—to remain unpredictable and maintain his effectiveness.
The broader implication of this performance is that Mathurin is ready to take the next step from promising rookie to bona fide star. The tools are clearly there—elite shooting, scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive instincts. The key now will be consistency and adaptation to the increased scrutiny he will face in the regular season. If he can sustain this level of play and continue to improve, the Pacers could have a player who not only fills the stat sheet but also elevates the entire team’s performance.
In summary, Bennedict Mathurin’s preseason masterclass was a perfect storm of skill, confidence, and efficiency. Scoring 31 points in 23 minutes with nearly perfect shooting, grabbing rebounds, assisting teammates, and playing active defense, he showed why he’s one of the most exciting young players to watch. His flawless shooting percentages from the field, three-point line, and free throw stripe highlight an elite-level shooting touch that makes him a nightmare for defenders. This performance not only boosts his confidence but signals to the Pacers and the league that he’s ready to be a central figure moving forward. If this game is any indication of what’s to come, Bennedict Mathurin could be on his way to becoming one of the league’s next breakout stars and a foundational player for the Pacers’ future success.
