The Indiana Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam‘s impressive 28-point, 11-rebound performance, clinched a resounding 121-100 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The game marked the teams’ first encounter of the season, with the Pacers showcasing their dominance on both ends of the floor.
“Pascal was great,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said of Siakam. “He was great on offense. Defensively, he had his best game.”
Aaron Nesmith contributed significantly with 16 points, while All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell also played pivotal roles in the Pacers’ triumph. Despite Haliburton’s shooting struggles, McConnell’s consistency off the bench underscored the depth of talent within the Pacers’ roster.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 22 points and eight rebounds, but Brooklyn struggled to contain Indiana’s offensive onslaught, particularly in the paint where the Pacers outscored the Nets 82-42. The Nets’ 21 turnovers and inability to protect their paint compounded their difficulties, leading to their fourth loss in a five-game road trip.
“Get 82 points in the paint, 17 offensive rebounds and 21 turnovers, that’s tough to beat a team like that,” Brooklyn interim coach Kevin Ollie said. “We can’t have 21 turnovers. Got to protect your paint. We got to keep people in front of us.”
The Pacers executed a game-changing run in the second half, transforming a closely contested game into a comfortable victory, highlighted by their commanding lead in the fourth quarter.
“Just get to the paint and great things will happen,” Nesmith said. “When you get to the paint, you tend to score more. We put emphasis on that.”
Despite the Nets’ previous success at Indiana, the Pacers’ determined performance and strategic playmaking paved the way for their victory, emphasizing their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
“I’m all about the team,” Siakam said. “I try my best to bring that energy every time. Physical (defense), continue to challenge, multiple efforts, guard, I thought we did that. I want to make sure I’m all about winning. That’s my focus.”
Looking ahead, the Nets aim to recuperate against the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pacers look forward to hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, building on their momentum from this significant win.
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