Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Ruthless Duke Basketball Talent Wins Five-Figure Bet During Game
On Friday night, Indiana Pacers sophomore wing Bennedict Mathurin eventually hit the game-winner in Team Jalen's first-to-40-wins semifinal battle against Team Tamika in the Panini Rising Stars at All-Star 2024 in Indianapolis. First, though, overconfidence at the foul line cost him $25K to recent Duke basketball one-and-done Paolo Banchero.
Team Jalen, including NBA Blue Devil and Dallas Maverick rookie center Dereck Lively II, held a 38-35 lead. Mathurin was at the charity stripe, shooting two with a chance to seal the victory. While holding the ball and gearing up for his first attempt, he offered a bet to Banchero, who was standing nearest the basket for Team Tamika:
"$25K [that] I finish the game. Bet."
Banchero, the Orlando Magic's reigning NBA Rookie of the Year forward who is set to join Boston Celtics sensation Jayson Tatum as the two Duke basketball representatives in the NBA All-Star Game at 8 p.m. ET Sunday (TNT), promptly agreed to the terms. Mathurin bricked both attempts, ensuring easy money in Banchero's bank account:
However, as noted above, Mathurin applied the finishing touch to his squad's 40-35 win on their next possession. Nevertheless, after Banchero ran up to him following the game to collect his winnings, Mathurin promised him that he'll make good on the bet.
Across his 11 minutes on the floor in the 14-minute contest, Paolo Banchero tallied five points, two rebounds, and three assists. But he struggled to find his rhythm as a shooter, finishing 2-for-7 from the field, 0-for-4 from downtown, and 1-for-2 at the line.
Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II recorded six points in the semifinal matchup, shooting 3-for-3 overall and adding two rebounds in only seven minutes of action. The Duke basketball pro followed that up with a team-high six points, posting another 3-for-3 clip and this time in only four minutes, in the first-to-25-wins Rising Stars title bout.
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Lively and Team Jalen defeated Team Detlef, 26-23, seizing the trophy.
Mathurin won MVP. Remember, though, it came with a somewhat steep price, much to the delight of Banchero.
Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.