The LA Clippers came up short in a 125-122 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, but Bennedict Mathurin remained focused on growth and resilience after a physical outing.
Mathurin scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 32 minutes, attacking downhill and drawing 14 free-throw attempts before fouling out with 1:49 remaining.
“Who you play, you know what I’m saying?” Mathurin said postgame. “You got to know when you play, what comes with it as well. So, it’s pretty hard to play over here, man. I mean, especially in this environment.”
The guard acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining rhythm in a whistle-heavy game.
“It’s hard, man,” he said. “You trying to play hard and then the game kind of stops on one side of the court, you know what I’m saying? More than the other. So, kind of have to fight through it.”
Despite the frustration, Mathurin viewed the situation as a test of focus.
“I like it because it pretty much allow us to stay locked in,” he said. “I feel like the players that we have on the court is all we got. So just pretty much staying locked in staying together was pretty much important tonight.”
The Clippers shot 45-for-82 from the field and 24-for-29 at the line, but their 8-for-21 mark from three limited spacing late as the Lakers hit 17 triples and posted 31 assists.
Mathurin said the environment fueled him rather than distracted him.
“You had words for a fan court side after one of those and ones,” he was asked. “No, just fired up man,” he responded. “It’s part of the game gets me going.”
The 23-year-old also discussed his transition and role within the team.
“I feel like the transition to the team has been good so far, man,” he said. “I’m still learning a lot, man. Every day offense or defense, especially my teammates.”
He emphasized the importance of understanding tendencies and timing.
“The quicker I learned more about my teammates and the way they play, the more I can be better for sure,” Mathurin said.
In the fourth quarter, Darius Garland approached him during a stoppage and offered encouragement.
“He came to me, we talked and pretty much just telling me to bring us home,” Mathurin said. “Just to go out there and give my all.”
The result did not swing the Clippers’ way, but Mathurin pointed to the support around him.
“Having a lot of guys that really want the best for me and who want to learn as well is very important,” he said.
Asked how he stays aggressive while adjusting to new responsibilities, Mathurin did not hesitate.
“My I’m resilient, man,” he said. “I’m always I want to learn every day I can, every opportunity I get, and I love adversity.”
