Bennedict Mathurin’s Troubling Decline Raises Concerns for the Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin’s performance this season has taken a surprising downturn, as highlighted by the NBA Net Points Metric developed by Dean Oliver. This analytical tool aims to provide a clearer picture of a player’s on-court impact by meticulously assigning credit and blame for every play, thus allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of contributions to a team’s success.
Early Season Promise
Mathurin began the season on a high note, bursting onto the scene with impressive performances in three of his first four games. His early contributions included a remarkable +5.3 Net Points in both the opening night and the second game, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Indiana Pacers. Additionally, he maintained this momentum with another +5.3 Net Points outing two weeks later, and as the season progressed, he registered scores of +6.8 and +5.4 Net Points in December.
However, these early flashes of brilliance have been overshadowed by a stark decline in performance. Since those initial games, Mathurin has struggled to maintain a positive impact, managing only two more games with favorable ratings amid a series of disappointing ones.
Statistical Struggles
In total, Mathurin’s season has been marked by inconsistency. Out of his last fifteen games, only two have yielded positive Net Points ratings, while the remainder reflect negative contributions. In box score terms, Mathurin’s standout performances included a commanding 36 points and 11 rebounds in the season opener, followed by a notable 26 points and 4 assists in October. He also shone in November with a 24-point, 12-rebound game, and in December, he delivered a combined 28 points across two nights, hitting 10 three-pointers.
Despite these high-scoring games, Mathurin’s overall production has been erratic. This inconsistency is not entirely unexpected, given his role as a sixth man, which typically allows for adjustments to be made when necessary. However, with Mathurin now positioned as a starter and tasked with carrying a heavier scoring load, the fluctuations in his performance have become increasingly concerning.
The Bigger Picture
The implications of Mathurin’s decline extend beyond individual statistics. As the Pacers look to build a cohesive unit, they rely on players like Mathurin to step up consistently. The current trajectory suggests that, unless adjustments can be made to either his role or the team’s offensive strategy, his struggles may continue to impact the Pacers’ overall performance.
Dean Oliver’s Net Points Game Log for Mathurin highlights a troubling trend within the league, as several players experience shifts in productivity. While some, like Julius Randle and Tyrese Maxey, have started strong yet are now cooling off, others like Michael Porter Jr. are showing improvement. The data presents a snapshot of a dynamic league where performance can shift dramatically from one game to the next.
As the season unfolds, the Pacers will need to monitor Mathurin’s development closely. His ability to regain form could be pivotal in shaping the team’s fortunes moving forward.
