- The Indiana Pacers showcased their “Big 3” of Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard in a crucial fourth-quarter comeback against the Sacramento Kings.
- This performance highlighted the importance of these players as the Pacers improved to 6-18 with a victory over the Kings.
- Siakam, Mathurin, and Nembhard combined for 76 points and led the team’s 19-4 run in the final minutes of the game.
- The trio has been instrumental in recent games, providing stability and leadership despite injuries to key players.
Resilience and Teamwork: The Pacers’ Big 3 Step Up
The Indiana Pacers have found their rhythm in recent games, with the “Big 3” of Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard leading the charge. In a game against the Sacramento Kings on October 2024, the Pacers were down by two points at the start of the fourth quarter but managed to outscore their opponents 19-4 in the final five minutes, securing a 116-105 victory.
Mathurin’s three-pointer kicked off this crucial run, followed by Nembhard scoring eight points and Mathurin adding three more. The Pacers’ dominance was evident as they did not allow any points from the Kings for the last two minutes and fifty-nine seconds of the game. This remarkable performance underscored their potential to be competitive in games.
Leadership and Adaptation: A Season of Challenges
The Indiana Pacers have faced numerous challenges this season, highlighted by a 19-point deficit in the third quarter against the Kings before Siakam, Mathurin, and Nembhard stepped up. However, their recent games show that they are starting to find form.
These players operate at an elite level when healthy. For instance, Nembhard posted 28 points with 12 assists, while Mathurin scored 25 points on four three-pointers.
Siakam contributed 23 points and five rebounds with three assists, demonstrating his all-around capabilities.
Mathurin has been particularly impressive since returning from a toe injury. He scored 20-plus points for the first time this season against the Kings, contributing to the Pacers’ resilience and adaptability on both ends of the court. Nembhard’s role as the primary ball-handler has allowed Mathurin more freedom to score and take on tougher defensive assignments.
Coaching Insight: The Role of Leadership
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the importance of these players, emphasizing their leadership both on and off the court. “Those three guys were great,” he stated. “We need our star guys to be stars.” Carlisle further noted that Nembhard, Mathurin, and Siakam are now in a group of veteran leaders alongside Aaron Nesmith and T.J. McConnell.
Carlisle also acknowledged the necessity for these players to operate like stars, noting that they must handle defensive matchups, take charge on the floor, and score effectively. The coach stressed that with Tyrese Haliburton out for the season due to an Achilles tendon tear, Siakam, Mathurin, and Nembhard bear the responsibility of leading the team.
Siakam has remained the most productive player this season, averaging 24.5 points per game, first on the team in rebounding (7.0), steals (1.3), and assists (4.1).
Mathurin’s career-high scoring average of 21.5 points and his improved three-point shooting have been crucial to the Pacers’ recent success.
Nembhard’s emergence as a key player with a career-high in both scoring (17.9 points per game) and assists (6.6 per game) has bolstered the team’s offensive capabilities, despite facing reduced efficiency due to increased volume of shots without Haliburton.
The future for the Pacers looks promising, with these players setting an example for their teammates and providing a solid foundation for the rest of the season. As they continue to navigate through injuries and challenges, the Big 3 remain integral in bringing stability and leadership to the court.