Bennedict Mathurin won MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge. Somehow, he still lost Friday night.
Bennedict Mathurin had a bet with Paolo Banchero for $25,000 that he’ll finish the game with free throws.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2024
But he ended up missing both, you know what that means pic.twitter.com/TLCI4YdrI9
As he went to the free-throw line late in Team Jalen's game against Team Tamika, Mathurin offered to bet Paolo Banchero $25K that he could close out the game with two made attempts. He proceeded to miss both.
Thankfully, it sounded like Banchero said "I should have bet" after the shot clanked off the rim, so Mathurin will likely save his money. There's no confirmation that money changed hands, which is probably for the best as far as Adam Silver is concerned. The NBA may encourage betting by their fans, but there's usually a different standard for their players.
Mathurin ended up missing both free throws, giving Team Tamika new life. But after Keyonte George missed, and Jaden Ivey couldn't tip in the rebound, Mathurin really did end the game with his next shot.
Bennedict Mathurin had a bet with Paolo Banchero for $25,000 that he’ll finish the game with free throws.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2024
But he ended up missing both, you know what that means pic.twitter.com/TLCI4YdrI9
It was especially satisfying since Mathurin had been trash talking with Ivey beforehand, declaring that "Even in Rising Stars, you can't guard me."
"Even in Rising Stars, you can't guard me."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2024
Bennedict Mathurin to Jaden Ivey pic.twitter.com/eJUKlLIz1I
Mathurin had a quieter game in the final, scoring four points as Team Jalen beat Team Detlef. But he still won MVP.
Thanks to his win, he and the rest of Team Jalen got a sweet reward: A winner's share of $25,000. Let's hope Mathurin didn't have to give it to Banchero.
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