Bennedict Mathurin Wins MVP, Leads Team Jalen to Win in 2024 NBA Rising Stars

zach bacharContributor IFebruary 17, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 16: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of Team Jalen dribbles the ball during the Rising Stars Game against against Team Tamika as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin took home the NBA Rising Stars MVP award after leading Team Jalen to a 26-13 win over Team Detlef and securing a victory in the tournament on Friday night.

NBA @NBA
INDY'S OWN. Bennedict Mathurin takes home the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniRisingStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniRisingStars</a> MVP in his home arena 🙌🏆 <a href="https://t.co/u11FZX4WlL">pic.twitter.com/u11FZX4WlL</a>

Indiana Pacers @Pacers
MVP 🗣️ Bennedict Mathurin has been named <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniRisingStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniRisingStars</a> Most Valuable Player. <a href="https://t.co/ThRnV8G7h1">pic.twitter.com/ThRnV8G7h1</a>

Mathurin scored 18 points on 7-13 shooting in the team's semifinal contest against Team Tamika, which included a game-winning pull-up jumper. In the final against Team Detlef, the 21-year-old put up a modest four points and two assists to go along with a steal.

He showcased his improving all-around game in front of his home fans throughout the night while taking some time to talk trash with Detroit Pistons point guard Jaden Ivey in the semifinal round.

NBA @NBA
Mathurin called GAME. The Pacer ends it in his home arena 👏 Team Jalen advances to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniRisingStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniRisingStars</a> Championship. <a href="https://t.co/XcVRDBIC5Z">pic.twitter.com/XcVRDBIC5Z</a>

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
"Even in Rising Stars, you can't guard me." Bennedict Mathurin to Jaden Ivey 👀🍿 <a href="https://t.co/eJUKlLIz1I">pic.twitter.com/eJUKlLIz1I</a>

NBA @NBA
Bennedict Mathurin with the slick behind-the-back 🤤 First team to 40 advances to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniRisingStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniRisingStars</a> Championship! Team Jalen vs. Team Tamika <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniRisingStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniRisingStars</a> on TNT <a href="https://t.co/g8KteSjYTJ">pic.twitter.com/g8KteSjYTJ</a>

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
THIS MATHURIN DIME 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/NlQplesSyY">pic.twitter.com/NlQplesSyY</a>

NBA @NBA
HOW 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/DqC1CFvm5p">https://t.co/DqC1CFvm5p</a> <a href="https://t.co/XKfYXw9Ubs">pic.twitter.com/XKfYXw9Ubs</a>

The event followed a similar tournament format compared to past years, with four teams vying for a shot at the Rising Stars trophy. The semifinal games were decided by which team could score 40 points first, while the final contained a 25-point mark. Former NBA and WNBA stars Pau Gasol, Tamika Catchings, Jalen Rose, and Detlef Schrempf were the coaches for each team.

Schrempf led a team of G Leaguers that pulled off a surprising upset over a Gasol-led squad that featured San Antonio Spurs standout rookie Victor Wembanyama in the semifinals, although they weren't able to replicate their success in the final.

Mathurin will be taking home some hardware before he continues his impressive sophomore campaign for the Pacers following the All-Star break. In 52 appearances, he's already averaged 14.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game on 45.0/36.6/82.5 shooting splits.