
Who Is Bennedict Mathurin? College Stats, NBA Contract, and His Breakout NBA Finals Moment
The 2025 NBA Finals have unveiled a rising star: Bennedict Mathurin. In Game 3 of the Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series, the 22-year-old Canadian guard delivered a stunning 27-point performance off the bench—setting a new record for the most points by a Canadian in NBA Finals history. This breakout game cemented Mathurin’s status and elevated his presence in the Bennedict Mathurin NBA Finals narrative.
Table Of Content
As Mathurin continues to shine under the brightest lights, fans are eager to learn more. Who is Bennedict Mathurin? How did he get here? Let’s explore the inspiring journey of the Pacers guard who is playing a pivotal role in Indiana’s historic playoff run.
Early Life and Background : Bennedict Mathurin NBA Finals
Born on June 19, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, Mathurin grew up in a Haitian household in a hockey-centric city. His path to basketball stardom was unconventional.
He became the first Canadian to join the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City—part of the NBA’s global development program. Training against elite international talent, Mathurin’s skills quickly attracted attention from U.S. college programs.
College Career at Arizona
Mathurin committed to the University of Arizona in 2020. As a freshman, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, showing early promise. His sophomore year, however, was a breakout campaign.
In 2021–22, he averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His performances earned him Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and All-American Second Team recognition. He led Arizona to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his potential as a high-level two-way player.
NBA Draft and Contract
Mathurin was selected sixth overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA Draft. He signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth over $29 million.
His rookie year was impressive—averaging 16.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. A foot injury kept him out of the 2024 playoffs, but it only motivated him to return stronger in the 2024–25 season.
NBA Finals Breakout
Now in his third season, Mathurin has become a crucial sixth man for Indiana. In Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, he erupted for 27 points in just 22 minutes. He shot 9-of-12 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
His performance set a new Canadian Finals scoring record, surpassing Kelly Olynyk’s 24-point effort in 2020. More than just stats, Mathurin’s energy changed the game’s momentum and electrified the home crowd.
After the game, Mathurin remained humble: “As much as I want to live the moment, I can’t,” he said. “Once I have the trophy in my hands, then the job’s finished.”
Strengths and Playing Style
At 6-foot-6, Mathurin is a versatile swingman who thrives as both a shooting guard and small forward. His strengths include explosive drives, reliable three-point shooting, and strong transition play.
Defensively, he’s improving with good lateral movement and intensity. Offensively, he plays with fearlessness, often attacking the rim with force and drawing contact.
His high motor and underdog mentality make him a fan favorite and a dependable option in crunch time.
Role and Team Impact
The Pacers’ 2025 Finals team is led by Tyrese Haliburton and veteran Pascal Siakam, but Mathurin has carved out a key bench role. Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his readiness and aggression in Game 3.
Bench teammate T.J. McConnell noted Mathurin’s ability to shift games with scoring spurts. Their combination of offense and defense has become an essential part of Indiana’s success.
Off the Court
Mathurin is confident and driven. A bold rookie quote—”LeBron James will have to show me he’s better than me”—once drew controversy but revealed his fearless mindset.
He credits his mother for his values and determination, having been raised in a single-parent household. In Canada, he’s becoming a national basketball figure, following the paths of Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Looking Ahead
The Pacers currently lead the Finals 2-1, and Game 4 looms large. If Mathurin continues at this level, he could become a Finals X-factor and future All-Star.
Indiana sees him as part of their core moving forward. With continued improvement, Mathurin has the tools to become one of the NBA’s elite two-way players.
Conclusion
The Bennedict Mathurin NBA Finals storyline is no longer just a footnote—it’s a centerpiece. From humble beginnings to historic playoff performances, Mathurin’s rise is both compelling and inspirational.
For basketball fans, he’s a thrilling talent. For Canadians, a source of pride. For the Pacers, a key to their championship dreams.
And for the NBA? Bennedict Mathurin is the future.
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