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

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

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.

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

Publish Date: Today, 05:27 PM ETDuration: 00:26

Bennedict Mathurin drives along the baseline and somehow gets a circus layup to fall for the Pacers. Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered more insight into why the team decided to bench guard Bennedict Mathurin.

Carlisle is infamous for his dislike of discussing lineup changes and announcements. However, following the Pacers' 1-2 stretch before the NBA All-Star break, he needed to explain his process for benching Bennedict Mathurin for Aaron Nesmith.

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