The LA Clippers have struck gold with their acquisition of Bennedict Mathurin. In just a few games, Mathurin has emerged as a dynamic force, showcasing his scoring versatility and tenacious defense. Under Tyronn Lue's guidance, he's quickly become a key player, leaving Indiana Pacers fans questioning how they let this talent slip away.
In his third game with the Clippers, Mathurin lit up the Denver Nuggets with nearly 40 points, followed by consecutive 20+ point performances. It's clear that his ability to take over games was always there, just waiting to be unleashed.
The Pacers, under Rick Carlisle, never fully tapped into Mathurin's potential. Despite flashes of brilliance last season, he was underutilized, a decision that now seems like a glaring oversight. Indiana is left to watch from afar as the 23-year-old thrives in an environment that embraces his talents.
Mathurin's time with the Pacers could have been a different story. Pairing him with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam had the makings of a formidable trio.
Yet, the system never allowed Mathurin to truly shine, particularly evident in the 2025 NBA Finals. Despite a standout performance in game two, where he scored 27 points in just 22 minutes, his playing time was inexplicably reduced in the following game.
Throughout the playoffs, Mathurin averaged only 17.5 minutes per game, a puzzling decision given his impact. Had he been given more opportunities, Indiana might have celebrated a championship.
Now, the Clippers are reaping the rewards of Indiana's oversight. Mathurin is proving to be a perfect complement to Kawhi Leonard, ready to make waves in the postseason. This young star is just getting started, and the Clippers are poised to benefit from his rise.