Matturin, Nembhard & Monte: I ME Trio Analysis

After a very complicated start to the season where they only won two of their first fifteen matches, due in particular to a squad ravaged by injuries, the Pacers seem to be doing a little better. Proof of this is that they have won four of their last six outings, including a serious success against the Kings this Monday.

While Sacramento managed to erase a 19-point deficit, Indiana went on a 19-4 run in the last six minutes to win.

A good end to the match carried by the trio Andrew Nembhard – Pascal I am – Benedict Mathurinauthor of 17 points. More broadly, this trio shone throughout the game by scoring 76 of the Pacers’ 116 points.

“Those three guys were good,” congratulates Rick Carlisle after the meeting. “These are our three leaders, I have spoken to them several times over the last ten days. Bennedict Mathurin is part of this group, alongside Aaron Nesmith and TJ McConnell. These guys are our veteran leaders. »

In the oven and in the mill

Since mid-November, the Pacers have recovered Bennedict Mathurin. A return that follows that of Andrew Nembhard. With these returns and despite the numerous absences (Toppin, Nesmith, Haliburton…), Indiana shows more interesting things, especially in attack where, with Pascal Siakam, they share the points.

If the Pacers have won four of their last six games, they held off the Cavaliers and the Nuggets, losing by a short head each time. The Pacers’ star trio carries the attack of this team and they are the only players available who average more than ten points.

“We need our stars to live up to their status,” recalls Rick Carlisle. “Nembhard is one of our stars just like Siakam and Mathurin will have to become one. Star players have to do everything and not just score points. We rely heavily on them to win their duels on defense, to be leaders on the field and to score points. These three guys are very important. »

One for all, all for one

As Andrew Nembhard confided after the success against the Kings, he must adapt to a different role this season, where he has more of the ball to compensate for Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. Same story with Bennedict Mathurin. If he puts up more points with an average of 21.2 units per night, his career best, he must assume more defensive responsibilities by often defending on the best opposing player.

“The more we play together, the more we get to know each other,” explains Bennedict Mathurin on his association with Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam. “All three of us can score points. We just need to understand how we want to score points. It’s all about understanding and we need to be there for each other. »

“We often talk together to be better organized in attack and to understand when to take our shots in transition or when to find a better shot for the team by circulating the ball more,” completes Andrew Nembhard about his team’s attack, as a whole.