Pacers rookies Mathurin and Nembhard relish All-Star experience in Rising Stars win
Mathurin scored first in both games — and nearly took the game-winning shot. Nembhard detailed his experience, including his dazzling behind-the-back pass.
SALT LAKE CITY — We all knew. We all saw it coming.
Bennedict Mathurin had it in the right corner. Team Pau (Gasol) was up 22-20 in the Rising Stars championship game, and playing to a Target Score of 25, a 3-pointer would end it.
But Thunder forward Jaylen Williams was all over him, so Mathurin passed it to Jose Alvarado on the right arc.
Alvarado, who led all scorers in their first of two games with 13 points, went right into his shot and swished it.
Ballgame at Vivint Arena for the first of three marquee events at All-Star Weekend.
“I’m really happy he made the shot, but in certain kind of situations, I feel like I should take it,” Mathurin said after the win. “But, he made it so I’m really happy for him and happy that he played well.”
Added Nembhard, smiling wide: “Oh, he wanted to [take the last shot]. He definitely wanted that 3.”