Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talked about rookie Bennedict Mathurin’s growth as a vocal leader after last night’s 116-110 home win vs. the Chicago Bulls (26 points/7 rebounds/2 assists/10-17 FG/1-5 3-PT/5-7 FT).

(via Dustin Dopirak/IndyStar):  

“Tonight was the most animated I’ve seen him in huddles,” Carlisle said. “Bringing teammates together, being encouraging, ‘We can do this. We can do this.’ It was amazing to watch. … As a young first year player, he came in and was respectful of the veterans. As it’s gone along, these guys respect his ability and they look to get him the ball because they know he can help us win. All of that has equaled a certain synergy that has brought the entire team together and it’s brought a little more verbal and vocal stuff out of him.”