Bennedict Mathurin’s dynamic 24-point performance off the bench and Jalen Smith’s crucial late 3-pointer propelled the Indiana Pacers to a 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies during Sunday’s NBA action, marking their third straight home win.
The game was evenly matched at 107 each when Smith hit his game-changing third 3-pointer with just over three minutes left.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised the shot as pivotal for the team’s momentum. Smith rounded off his performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Pacers maintain their lead till the end.
“That was a monster shot for us,” Carlisle said.
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Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the effectiveness of the Pacers in the crucial moments, citing their ability to hit key shots toward the end.
“They made some big-time shots,” Jenkins said. “It was just a little too tough to come back from. Give them credit, they made some good plays at the end.”
Mathurin was particularly impressive, scoring 19 of his total points in the first half and shooting efficiently, including three 3-pointers. Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard praised Mathurin’s assertiveness, which eased the pressure on the team.
“He (Mathurin) took the pressure off us,” Nembhard said. “He was super aggressive going downhill.”
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Pascal Siakam, the Pacers’ newly acquired All-Star forward, contributed 19 points, while Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith each added 16. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. led with 25 points, followed by Vince Williams Jr. with 20 and GG Jackson with 18.
Both teams faced challenges with their point guards. The Pacers were without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, resting due to a sore hamstring, and backup T.J. McConnell, out for personal reasons. Luke Kennard was sidelined with left knee soreness.
Memphis, already burdened with eight players on the injury report, felt the strain in the third quarter as Indiana finished on a 9-2 run, taking a 92-82 lead into the final quarter. This surge included a highlight dunk by Mathurin and a 3-point play by Obi Toppin.
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Despite leading for most of the first half and entering the break with a slight lead, the Grizzlies couldn’t hold off the Pacers, especially after Indiana’s 14-0 run in the second quarter.
“In the first half, when we couldn’t get anything going,” Carlisle said, “he (Mathurin) was making the right play every time.”
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will host the Sacramento Kings on Monday, while the Pacers are set to face the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
