Bennedict Mathurin has been a game-changer for the Indiana Pacers throughout the NBA Finals, and his 27-point performance off the bench in Game 3 was no exception. After the victory, Mathurin sat down with Scott Van Pelt to discuss how he mentally prepares for games despite not starting.
Mathurin emphasized that his preparation begins long before tip-off.
“I pray every morning. I know I’m going to have a great day,” he told Van Pelt, highlighting the importance of mental clarity and confidence in his approach.
Despite not playing in the first quarter, Mathurin remained locked in, ready to contribute the moment his number was called.
“Whenever my number gets called, just go in the game and do the right things and try to help my team win,” he explained.
Mathurin credited his teammates for helping him stay engaged, particularly fellow bench players T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard.
“Having guys like TJ and Obi get in the game, and Shep, just playing hard. It’s a group of guys who play extremely hard, and that’s exactly what we needed to get the fans back on their feet,” he said.
His ability to bring instant energy was crucial in Game 3, where the Pacers outscored OKC’s bench 49-18, helping Indiana erase a five-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Mathurin also reflected on his growth as a player, particularly after missing time due to injury last season.
“Being next to the coaches who were able to run me through the game helped a lot. It was unfortunate, but I was fortunate enough to learn and be ready for this year,” he shared.
His preparation extends beyond mental focus—he spends extra time in the gym to ensure he’s physically ready.
“I was able to get in the gym a lot this week and just prepare for this game,” he noted.
With the Pacers leading the series 2-1, Mathurin’s ability to impact the game from the bench will be crucial moving forward. His mindset—staying ready, bringing energy, and trusting his preparation—has made him one of Indiana’s most valuable assets in their Finals run.
