Getty
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Bennedict Mathurin #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket against Tre Jones #30 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Intuit Dome on March 13, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have lost another game. After breaking a 16-game losing streak by beating the Magic, they lost to the Clippers at the buzzer. This was after losing to the Lakers, too. Kawhi Leonard hit a game-winning shot to take down Indiana at home, continuing the losing.
That loss gives them a bigger lead for the worst record in the NBA. Indiana traded Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and a 2026 protected first-round pick to the Clippers for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown. Losing gives them a bigger chance to keep that pick.
Friday night was the first time that Mathurin had played back in Indianapolis since the trade. After the game, Mathurin had some good things to say about his former team.
Former Pacers Player Explains Emotions After Return to Indy
After Leonard won it for the Clippers, Mathurin talked about how much love he still has for the Pacers players and fans.
“I’ve been going to war every day for the last three and a half years with them. The good thing about it is, even if I’m not on the same team anymore, I got to have brothers for life. Those guys over there are just different. I’m glad I was able to compete tonight. Had a lot of fun.”
Mathurin had 17 points against his former team with Andrew Nembhard guarding him a lot. He was only 2/8 from the field, so Nembhard did a good job in that regard. However, Mathurin did take 15 free throws. That many free throws is not something Indiana wants to give up to any player.
Since being traded to LA, Mathurin has thrived. He has been one of the best players in the league off the bench, much like he was when he was in Indiana. Now, he is given a little more slack to make mistakes since he is not forced to start as he was this season with the Pacers.
Indiana Has a lot of Losing Left to do
After losing back-to-back games, the Pacers are likely going to do a lot of losing over the final eight games. They would love to have the worst record in the league to increase their odds of having a top-four pick. Having the worst record in the league would give them a 52 percent chance of that happening.
Losing their pick to the Clippers would be a massive blow to their chances of winning a championship next season. They would have a much better shot of making another run to the Finals with a superstar rookie on the roster, along with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers have the second-worst offense in the league. That will likely allow them to keep up the losing. This is the one season in franchise history in which the team has been okay with losing games. With everyone healthy next year, the team will be looking to contend for at title once again.
Mathurin will continue to pursue a title with the Clippers. They will be making at least the play-in this season.