Bennedict Mathurin delivered a dominant performance, scoring six of his 28 points in overtime as the Indiana Pacers edged the Brooklyn Nets 105-99 on Thursday night.
Mathurin also grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds, helping Indiana (40-29) secure its fifth win in six games. Myles Turner contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, while the Pacers overcame the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who missed his third straight game with lower back soreness.
Brooklyn (23-47) led 52-42 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 39 points before being outscored 14-8 in overtime. Ziaire Williams and D’Angelo Russell each scored 22 points for the Nets, who have now lost 12 of their last 14 games.
Indiana trailed by 10 at the break but cut the deficit to six entering the fourth quarter. Mathurin forced overtime by sinking three free throws with 14 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at 91.
In the extra period, Mathurin shot 2-for-3 from the field and 2-for-3 from the line as the Pacers sealed the victory. Indiana finished with a significant edge at the free throw line, making 27 of 31 attempts compared to Brooklyn’s 13-for-18 mark.
The Pacers will look to build on their momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Nets remain in a free fall near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
