The Indiana Pacers missed Bennedict Mathurin big-time after he missed 11 games early in the season due to a toe injury. Fortunately for them, they finally got him back on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, and he did not disappoint.
In the loss, the Canadian native recorded 25 points (23 in the second half alone) on 7-for-16 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 25 minutes. The Pacers were down by 18 points after the third quarter, but Mathurin's impressive fourth-quarter performance (14 points on 4-for-9 shooting) nearly helped them secure their second win of the season.
Heading into the season, there was some uncertainty about what was next for Mathurin in Indiana, given that he is set to hit restricted free agency. Plus, there are some concerns about his long-term fit with the team, leading some to wonder if they are going to trade him during the season. However, if this game was any sign, the [Pacers cannot move on from Mathurin](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-bennedict-mathurin-decision-free-agency-value) under any circumstances. He is too valuable a player to lose, and he will be the key to helping the Pacers re-enter the title picture.
Pacers cannot lose Bennedict Mathurin
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Mathurin is a great player, no matter how you look at it. And the Pacers should be happy he is on their roster.
It's fair to say he is a questionable fit in the system. He is an isolation scorer on a team that relies on ball movement and pushing the tempo. Plus, his defense is questionable, and he isn't much of a playmaker either.
Even so, it doesn't matter.
The Pacers have proven they can contend with Mathurin on the roster. And he himself has been great throughout his time in Indiana, even if the puzzle pieces don't go together.
Mathurin is an exceptional scorer who can put the ball on the ground, create his own shot, and score at every level. The Pacers need a player with this skillset to take the pressure off guys like Tyrese Haliburton when he returns, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam.
Against Detroit, the Arizona alum almost single-handedly willed the Pacers to victory. He further proved that, when he's hot, he's borderline unstoppable. And on top of that, he is still just 23 years old. He hasn't even hit his peak yet, and he's already proving just how valuable he is to Indiana's success.
And it's not like this was just a one-game showcase for him. In three games this season, Mathurin is averaging 29 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field and 42.1% from deep.
If it was a question before, it isn't now: the Pacers need Mathurin to stick around if they want to re-establish themselves as legitimate title contenders. Even if it means having to open up their wallets and [potentially go into the luxury tax.](https://8points9seconds.com/pacers-made-their-future-spending-plans-crystal-clear-this-summer)