How Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin carried Indiana Pacers to win over Washington Wizards

Going back to the bench means Bennedict Mathurin's offensive approach could change and focus a little more on scoring than efficiency.

Obi Toppin had season highs of 31 points and 10 rebounds, and the Indiana Pacers rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the NBA-worst Washington Wizards 134-130 in overtime on Wednesday night. Bennedict Mathurin scored 28 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 20 for the Pacers,

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle believes the offense is better balanced with Bennedict Mathurin coming off the bench.

Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin combined for 59 points and the Pacers rode their pressure defense to another second-half comeback.

The Indiana Pacers had to make Bennedict Mathurin the starting small forward very early in the season. After Aaron Nesmith hurt his ankle, they really had no choice. Nesmith's ankle sprain was so severe that he missed 35 games before coming back a couple of weeks prior to the All-Star break.

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images After a tough loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday,

The NBA has reached its unofficial midway point over the All-Star Break, what grade does Bennedict Mathurin get for the Indiana Pacers?

Obi Toppin scored 31 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 28 as Pacers rallied to force overtime and survive the Wizards going into NBA All-Star break.

The Pacers headed into the All-Star break with a win after beating the Washington Wizards in overtime, 134-130, thanks to a strong performance from Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin.

Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin is programmed to score, regardless of whether he comes off the bench. However, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle felt the need to tweak the team's lineup. Naturally,

The Pacers player came off the bench for just the second time since Aaron Nesmith's injury early in the season.