Game 3 of the series between the Indiana Pacers and their Eastern Conference rivals brought fireworks from an unexpected source. While all eyes may have been on All-Stars and household names, it was second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin who stole the spotlight with an explosive performance off the bench. Scoring an eye-popping 1.23 points per minute, Mathurin didn’t just contribute—he dominated in short bursts, shifting the momentum of the game and electrifying both his teammates and the home crowd.
Let’s break down just how impactful Mathurin’s Game 3 performance was, why it matters, and what it could mean for the Pacers moving forward.
Efficiency Meets Aggression
It’s one thing to score a lot—it’s another to do it efficiently. Mathurin logged 1.23 points per minute, an elite-level scoring rate, especially in the high-stakes atmosphere of the NBA playoffs. That kind of output typically belongs to superstars on fire—think Curry when he’s hot or vintage LeBron on a mission.
But here was Mathurin, a young guard still finding his groove in the league, putting up those kinds of numbers with confidence and fearlessness. Whether it was slashing to the rim, pulling up in transition, or knocking down a cold-blooded three, Mathurin made every minute count.
He played just 17 minutes in the game—but scored 21 points. That’s 1.23 points per minute. For comparison, even the most prolific scorers in NBA history average less than a point per minute over a season. What Mathurin did was rare, and in the playoffs, it was game-changing.
The Spark Indiana Needed
Game 3 was a must-win for the Pacers, especially at home. Coming in tied 1–1 in the series, they needed energy, emotion, and someone to step up. Enter Mathurin.
The Pacers were in a close battle early in the second quarter when Mathurin checked in and immediately made his presence felt. Within his first two minutes on the floor, he had scored five quick points and drawn a foul that sent the crowd into a frenzy. From there, it was green lights and full speed ahead.
Mathurin’s aggressiveness put pressure on the opposing defense, opening up space for other Pacers to operate. Defenders had to collapse when he attacked the rim, which freed up the perimeter for shooters like Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton. His offensive spark extended beyond the box score—he shifted the entire energy of the game.
Unshaken by the Moment
It’s easy to forget that Mathurin is still one of the younger players in the league. Yet, watching him in Game 3, you’d think he was a playoff veteran. His composure, shot selection, and physicality all pointed to someone who embraces the big stage.
There were no signs of nerves. No hesitation.
In one particularly jaw-dropping sequence, Mathurin grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the ball up the floor himself, and drilled a contested pull-up three in transition. It was the kind of shot that made you sit up straight—and the kind of confidence that makes coaching staffs trust you in key moments.
Efficient Shooting and Smart Play
What makes Mathurin’s Game 3 even more impressive is how he scored. He didn’t just volume shoot—he picked his spots. He went 7-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. That’s an all-around efficient scoring night.
His shot chart looked like a seasoned veteran’s—clean, high-percentage looks created off movement, cuts, and smart reads. He didn’t force anything. He let the game come to him, and when the opportunity was there, he attacked with ferocity.
That kind of shot discipline is unusual in young players. It shows growth, maturity, and the benefit of playoff experience—even if limited.
A Glimpse of the Future?
Mathurin’s breakout performance may have been a surprise to casual fans, but those following his development have seen signs of this kind of explosion. The athleticism, confidence, and scorer’s mentality have always been there. Game 3 just put it all on display at once.
If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, the Pacers have something very special on their hands. A bench scorer who can ignite a run in minutes is invaluable in the postseason. Add in the defensive improvements he’s made and his willingness to play physical basketball, and you’ve got a future star in the making.
Coaches and Teammates Take Notice
After the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Mathurin’s intensity and readiness. “He was fearless,” Carlisle said. “He gave us exactly what we needed. Instant offense, energy, and a competitive edge. That’s what playoff basketball is all about.”
Veteran teammate Myles Turner added, “When Benn gets going like that, it changes everything. We feed off that. It gets loud, it gets fast, and it becomes fun.”
That kind of trust and admiration from the locker room means Mathurin is likely to see even more minutes and opportunities as the series progresses.
Final Thoughts
Bennedict Mathurin’s 1.23 points per minute in Game 3 wasn’t just a stat—it was a statement. In a game where every possession mattered, he made each one count. Efficient, confident, and electrifying, he gave the Pacers a massive lift in a pivotal moment of the series.
The playoffs are where stars are made. And if Game 3 was any indication, Mathurin isn’t waiting for permission—he’s arriving on his own terms.
Indiana might have won Game 3 as a team, but it was Mathurin’s firepower that lit the match.
