Bennedict Mathurin clarifies his stance on calling himself better than LeBron James — “I know who LeBron James is”
Bennedict Mathurin generated a lot of attention towards his Monday matchup against the LA Lakers because of his comments about LeBron James.
In June, the Indiana Pacers' rookie gaurd said that he was most excited to test himself against James. That chance finally came on Monday night.
After Mathurin's dominant performance in a 116-115 win over the Lakers, he took the humble road and explained his comments in a Washington Post article in June.
Mathurin, who was drafted sixth in June, said that he very well knew who James was and the comments were nothing more than confident fun. Such confidence can be admired from a rookie who believes that he is unparalleled. The mentality that nobody is better than you until they prove it is healthy for a young player looking to make waves.
“I think he’s the best to ever play," Mathurin said. "People probably misunderstood what I was trying to say. Me just coming into the league, I won’t say anybody’s better than me. That’s me being confident. I know who LeBron James is. … The media got their own way of saying things, no disrespect to LeBron James.”
Many read Mathurin’s comments as over-the-top confidence and bit at him for being too egotistical. His explanation was important for him going forward. Fans are often overly critical of players who think too highly of themselves, and he may have just escaped that narrative.
The rookie is simply just excited to play the game he loves at such a high level, while honored to be around so many legends.
“I’m looking forward to playing against, you know, great players,” Mathurin said.
With not believing anyone is better than him until they prove it, he will be met with challenges. When asked how much he enjoys the challenge of proving himself, Mathurin said:
“There’s no really expectations for myself, you know. I just gotta go out there and do what I do. … Also, just having fun, playing basketball.”
Bennedict Mathurin on his LeBron quote: “I think he's the best to ever play. People probably misunderstood what I was trying to say. Me just coming into the league, I won’t say anybody’s better than me. That’s me being confident.”
Via @RomeovilleKid https://t.co/XhRukQ25G5
Bennedict Mathurin delivers on his promise to LeBron James
Regardless of Bennedict Mathurin saying that his comments weren't intended to be taken literally, he still proved to James that he was out there to make a point.
Not only did the Pacers pull off a comeback win as the Lakers blew a 17-point fourth quarter lead, but Mathurin finished with comparable stats to James.
LeBron James had 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes. Mathurin totaled 23 points, eight rebounds and one assist in 32 minutes off the bench.
Mathurin may not have meant that he was better than James until proven otherwise, but he definitely made an impact where he needed to.
Delivering your word against a player like LeBron James will give you celebrity status. This confidence, and his effective execution, puts Mathurin right up there with Pacers starters like Jalen Smith, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton.
Mathurin and the Pacers get the last laugh this time 😅 https://t.co/bKw3QQDbq7
The words spoken in June seemed futile and borderline over-the-top for most. Any rookie who challenges James is up for immediate criticism until they prove themselves.
Because James is one of the best ever, he is a prime mark for any player to make a name for themselves. When a rookie manages it, though, it places a limelight on him like no other.
In his first year in the league, Mathurin is already delivering promises against LeBron. This man might grow into a big problem for opponents.