Mathurin Scores 23 in Clippers Debut

0:00You're listening to NBA News Today. Subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. Benedict Matherin made his return against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night in Inglewood, California, lighting them up for the first time since. His trade to the Clippers. The 23-year-old score dropped 23 points in just 22 minutes, showing why his former coach called him a natural, bucket-gitter. He shot 8-11 from the field and finished with 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steel, and 1 block. Matherin topped the game with a plus 32 plus minus rating, proving tough to stop around the rim with drives and free throws. This game carried extra weight as Indiana's highest draft pick since 1988. His aggressive scoring sometimes bumped against the team's playmaking style, built around Tyree's Halliburton, so they traded him to better fit there. Since the move, Matherin has thrived with the Clippers, averaging a career high 19.2 points per game over 9 outings.

1:02He's also hitting career best in rebounds at 6.3, assists at 2.8, and free throw trips at 7.4 per game. Pacers coach Rick Carlyle praised him afterward, comparing his easy scoring to a top option. Matherin called the trade tough after three and a half years in Indiana, but said the fresh start feels right, with his new teammates fully embracing him. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. A pillow that plays your podcasts, music, or white noise privately, no ear buds required, S-O-L-L-I-SOLI-Pillow.com.