Pacers Dominate Early
In a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Pacers center Myles Turner scored 24 points and recorded 4 blocks, while point guard Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points and 12 assists. Despite a strong performance from Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 30 points, the Pacers managed to secure a 121-111 victory on the road, ending the Thunder’s three-game winning streak.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The Pacers took control early in the game, leading by as much as 16 points in the second quarter and maintaining a 12-point lead at halftime. However, the Thunder fought back in the second half, narrowing the gap to just 6 points at one stage.
Late Surge by the Thunder
In the third quarter, the Thunder tied the game at 82-82 with a three-pointer from Luguentz Dort. They even took a one-point lead at 85-84 after a three-pointer by Isaiah Joe. However, the Pacers responded with a 10-2 run to end the third quarter with a 94-87 lead.
Pacers Secure Victory
Although the Thunder managed to cut the deficit to just 6 points late in the fourth quarter, the Pacers held on for the win. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam made all of their free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory for the Pacers.
Balanced Scoring for the Pacers
Six Pacers players scored in double figures, contributing to the team’s impressive 53.9% shooting percentage. In addition to Turner and Haliburton, Siakam added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith scored 15 points and Nembhard chipped in with 14 points off the bench.
Thunder’s Efforts Not Enough
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance with 30 points and 10 rebounds, along with contributions from Dort and Josh Giddey, who each scored 18 and 15 points respectively, the Thunder couldn’t overcome the Pacers’ balanced attack. With the loss, the Thunder now share the top spot in the Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets, both with a record of 45-20.
Hayward’s First Start for the Thunder
Gordon Hayward, who was traded to the Thunder, made his first start in 11 games, playing 30 minutes and scoring 9 points. He replaced Jalen Williams in the starting lineup, who was sidelined with a right ankle injury. Williams, the Thunder’s second-leading scorer, averages 19 points per game.
Pacers Maintain Control
Despite a late surge by the Thunder, the Pacers’ well-rounded offense and solid defense secured the victory, preventing the Thunder from having a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.(BK8F)
