Bennedict Mathurin Has Really Turned It Around After the Playoff Series with the Knicks 👏

Every NBA player faces a crossroads—a moment when the league’s relentless pressure tests not only their talent, but their mindset. For Bennedict Mathurin, that moment came during the Indiana Pacers’ playoff series against the New York Knicks. In a highly physical, emotionally charged battle that showcased the grit of postseason basketball, Mathurin was exposed to the full weight of playoff expectations. And for a time, it looked like he might get lost in the moment.

Fast forward just a few weeks, and the narrative has flipped completely. Bennedict Mathurin hasn’t just bounced back—he’s blossomed. He’s becoming a different kind of player: more efficient, more focused, and more mature in his role. After a challenging postseason introduction, Mathurin’s turnaround is one of the best stories of Indiana’s playoff run—and a testament to the mental toughness required to grow in today’s NBA.

The Knicks Series: A Wake-Up Call

When the Pacers faced off against the Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, it was a slugfest. From the opening tip, the series was defined by physicality, defense, and grit. New York’s perimeter defenders were relentless, led by Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, who hounded Mathurin and dared him to adjust.

And in those early games, he struggled.

Mathurin, a gifted scorer known for his explosiveness and aggressive slashing, found himself out of rhythm. His shot selection was erratic, turnovers crept into his game, and he appeared hesitant under pressure. He averaged just 9.3 points on 37% shooting in the first four games of the series, and his minutes dipped as head coach Rick Carlisle opted for steadier veteran options.

Critics were quick to label it a sophomore slump under the playoff lights.

But behind the scenes, something was brewing.

Growth Behind the Scenes

According to teammates and coaching staff, Mathurin took the criticism to heart—but not in a way that shattered his confidence. Instead, he got back to work. He asked questions. He watched film. He leaned on mentors like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. And most importantly, he began to focus less on scoring, and more on impacting the game in other ways.

“He could’ve pouted, but he didn’t,” Carlisle said in a postgame interview. “He started locking in on defense, making the right reads, and letting the game come to him. That’s how you grow.”

Haliburton echoed that sentiment. “I told him, ‘You’re too talented not to bounce back. Just be solid. The rest will come.’”

And come it did.

A New Version of Bennedict

Following the Game 5 loss to New York, Mathurin emerged as a different player. In Game 6, with the Pacers on the brink of elimination, he came off the bench and scored 16 key points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and played arguably his best defensive game of the season. His energy shifted the game’s momentum, and the Pacers pulled out a gritty win to force a Game 7.

Though the Pacers would eventually fall short in the series, that performance marked a turning point for Mathurin—and he hasn’t looked back.

Entering the following round (thanks to injuries and chaos elsewhere in the bracket), Mathurin was given more responsibility and more minutes—and he delivered. Over the next six playoff games, he averaged 17.8 points per game, shot over 48% from the field, and finally looked like the two-way threat Indiana envisioned when they drafted him sixth overall in 2022.

He also became a tone-setter. Diving for loose balls, sprinting in transition, keeping his man in front of him—Mathurin started doing the little things that win games, not just the flashy things that fill highlight reels.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Bennedict Mathurin’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time for the Pacers. With Haliburton ascending into superstar status and the team’s young core rounding into form, Mathurin’s growth gives Indiana yet another weapon in what’s becoming a dangerous Eastern Conference roster.

More than just a scoring guard, Mathurin is proving that he can evolve into a versatile two-way player. He has the size, athleticism, and motor to guard multiple positions, and he’s learning how to pick his spots offensively—driving with purpose, making the extra pass, and taking high-quality shots.

That development is not only good news for the Pacers; it’s a warning to the rest of the league.

Mental Maturity = Next-Level Leap

For young players, the physical tools often arrive first. But what separates good from great in the NBA is how a player responds to adversity. Mathurin’s playoff struggles could’ve stalled his trajectory. Instead, they sharpened it.

In a recent postgame interview, Mathurin reflected on the ups and downs:

“You learn quickly in this league. The playoffs are a different animal. I had to adjust. But I’m proud of how I responded. This team believes in me, and I believe in myself.”

That confidence isn’t cocky—it’s earned. And it’s showing up in the way he plays: with poise, with effort, and with the heart of someone who knows failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of growth.

Final Thoughts

The story of Bennedict Mathurin’s turnaround is bigger than basketball. It’s about accountability. It’s about self-awareness. And it’s about what happens when a talented young player decides he’s not just here to play—he’s here to compete.

From struggling against the Knicks to starring in later rounds, Mathurin has answered the call. And if this is the version Indiana gets going forward, the Pacers just found their next cornerstone.

👏 What a turnaround.