The third time was good for the Pacers and Bennedict Mathurin. The Quebecois once again led the way for the Indiana-based team, who clinched a first win of the season by defeating the Detroit Pistons 121-110 in Indianapolis on Saturday.

The pride of the Belle province does not stop shining in the silver circle. After performances of 19 and 26 points earlier in his career, he slacked off with a 25-point game on Saturday. No other player has been more productive on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Floor.

Mathurin also contributed on the other side of the field, collecting six defensive rebounds and collecting two assists in 30 minutes 38 seconds. of the game.

Leading 35-25 early in the game, the Pacers got going in the second quarter. They dominated the second half 69-54 so their fans could celebrate.

Mathurin’s teammates Tyrese Haliburton (24 points, 10 assists), Jalen Smith (19 points, 15 rebounds) and Goga Bitadze (14 points, 15 rebounds) also shone with a double-double each.

The Raptors lose the game and Barnes

In Miami, the Toronto Raptors were slowed down by a mediocre start to the game, losing 112-109 to the Heat.

The Queen City team will remember Scottie Barnes’ ankle injury in particular from this meeting. The 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year had time to record 11 points, two rebounds and as many assists before leaving the game in the first half.

The first two quarters also largely went in favor of the local favourite, who gained a cushion of 21 points. Jimmy Butler (24 points) and Max Strus (20 points) were the Heat’s most successful players, while Kyle Lowry (17 points) was somewhat wiped out against his former team.

Pascal Siakam almost had a triple-double with the Raptors with 23 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Precious Achiuwa was also successful with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Montrealers Khem Birch and Chris Boucher did not attend the meeting. The first was left out by head coach Nick Nurse. As for himself, Boucher is still struggling with a left hamstring injury.

The only Canadian team in the NBA will have the opportunity for revenge on Monday in Miami.

Elsewhere in the NBA

In Orlando, Jayson Tatum took the Magic by storm with 40 points and the Boston Celtics won 126-120.

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s skill, who had 40 points and 13 rebounds, wasn’t enough for the 76ers. The Sacramento Spurs added their third straight loss at 114 to 105.