The third time was good for the Pacers and Bennedict Mathurin. The Quebecer again led the way for the Indiana team, which signed a first victory this season by defeating the Detroit Pistons 121 to 110, Saturday in Indianapolis.
The pride of the Belle Province is not about to stop shining in the Silver circuit. After performances of 19 and 26 points to start his career, he followed that up with a 25-point game on Saturday. No other player has been more productive on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse floor.
Mathurin also contributed on the other side of the field by collecting six defensive rebounds and amassed two assists in 30 min 38 s of play.
Led 35-25 at the start of the game, the Pacers got going in the second quarter. They dominated the second half 69-54 to allow their fans to celebrate.
Mathurin’s teammates Tyrese Haliburton (24 points, 10 assists), Jalen Smith (19 points, 15 rebounds) and Goga Bitadze (14 points, 15 rebounds) also stood out with a double-double each.
Elsewhere in the NBA
In Orlando, Jayson Tatum took the Magic by storm with 40 points, and the Boston Celtics won 126-120.
In Philadelphia, the prowess of Joel Embiid, who had 40 points and 13 rebounds, was not enough for the 76ers. The Sacramento Spurs inflicted their third consecutive loss, by the mark of 114 to 105.