NBA: Bennedict Mathurin’s big finish rescues Pacers vs Mavericks
Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin reacts to a foul call during their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 17, 2025, in Minneapolis. Pacers won 132-130 in overtime. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Bennedict Mathurin’s sensational fourth quarter and a 3-pointer by Andrew Nembhard with 14.7 seconds left opened Indiana’s five-game homestand in dramatic fashion with a 135-131 win over Dallas on Wednesday in the NBA..
Mathurin scored 16 of his 23 points in the final 5:54, including 10 straight in one stretch, taking over late in the Pacers’ rally from down 11 points midway through the final period.
The Pacers (39-29) squandered a halftime lead of 11 points, fell behind by four and regained the lead in the final minute of the period.
READ: NBA: Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin gets 1-game ban for bumping ref
P.J. Washington, who led Dallas with 26 points, went back and forth with Mathurin down the stretch. Their in-game, one-on-one competition included Washington drawing a foul on Mathurin, which was upheld upon video review, immediately after Mathurin sank a pair of free throws off a foul against Washington.
Washington split his attempts, however. After Andrew Nembhard made a foul shot on the other end, Pascal Siakam came up with a steal that led to Nembhard’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 16.1 seconds to play.
Aaron Nesmith drew an offensive foul on the ensuing Mavericks possession, effectively securing the win for the Pacers.
Siakam led all scorers with 29 points. Nembhard added 22 points and doled out eight assists, manning point-guard duties with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to a back injury.
Nesmith shot 6 of 9 en route to 18 points. Obi Toppin added 13 points off the bench.
Jaden Hardy scored 24 points off the bench for Dallas (33-37). Spencer Dinwiddie added 17 points and 12 assists, including a step-back 3-pointer under duress late in the fourth quarter. Max Christie also notched 17 points.
Kai Jones had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Dallas. –Field Level Media
