Pacers news: Rick Carlisle challenges Benedict Maturin

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle delivered an emphatic message to keep Benedict Maturin after another tough night in a season filled with ever-increasing expectations.

Mathurin finished on Friday evening 123–113 loss to the San Antonio Spurs by just two points, leading Carlyle to frame this moment as a decisive test rather than a setback. Speaking to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star after the game, Carlisle highlighted the challenge Maturin faces and the opportunity ahead.

“Teams are putting their better defensive players on him,” Carlisle said, grouping Maturin with Pascal Siakam and Drew Nembhardt as players who are getting more attention each night. Carlisle noted that Maturin was not among the players selected to speak at the podium and had already left the locker room by the time the coach addressed the media.

Carlisle emphasized that the Pacers are asking more of the 23-year-old than at any point in his career.

“Look, this is the opportunity of a lifetime for Ben Maturin,” Carlisle said. “He’s starting, he’s second on the team in minutes played, I think 33 per game. There’s a big opportunity here. And we’ve got to work on helping him adjust to his level of responsibility. This is a lot.”

Rick Carlyle highlights the growing responsibility of Benedict Maturin

Carlisle added that the increased defensive focus is a natural progression for players taking on bigger roles.

“You don’t just show up and get your numbers every night,” Carlisle said. “The teams are extremely prepared. Everyone has the same information. And it’s difficult.”

On the court, Mathurin struggled to find a rhythm against San Antonio. He scored two points on 1-for-6 shooting, with five rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes. The performance came as Indiana’s losing streak continued to grow.

Despite the tough outing, Mathurin posted career-best results this season. The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft is averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three-point range in 24 appearances. His extended role and production also established his name recent trade speculation as Indiana evaluates its long-term direction.

The The Pacers, now 6-29, will look to snap an 11-game losing streak Sunday afternoon when they travel to face the Orlando Magic (19-16) at 3:00 PM ET. Indiana will then return home on a short break to host the Cleveland Cavaliers (20-16) on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM ET.

For Maturin, Carlyle’s challenge underscores the reality of his new status. With increased responsibility comes increased control — and, as Carlisle put it, an opportunity that could shape both the player’s trajectory and the Pacers’ future.