Bennedict Mathurin showed that he was ready for the start of the regular NBA calendar. The Quebecer scored 31 points in the Indiana Pacers’ 124-108 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Mathurin started the meeting with a bang. He made his first nine shots and had 27 points in the first half alone. Mathurin was used much less in the second half of the game, but still added four points. He finished with 11 made field goals on 12 attempts.
These are more than encouraging signs for the Montrealer, who will be a centerpiece of the Pacers’ offense this season, in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. The star player will miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Indiana will also manage without Myles Turner at center, who left to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
The Pacers will play one more preseason game before the start of the regular season, once again against the Spurs on Friday.
