Jay Huff goes off, Pacers stay hot to beat Pelicans

Jay Huff scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Andrew Nembhard went for a 19-point, 10-assist double-double and the Indiana Pacers scored their fourth win in the last five games with a 127-119 defeat of the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday in Indianapolis.

Huff set a new career scoring high with 13-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. He was one of five Pacers to knock down multiple 3-point attempts, led by Pascal Siakam's 4-of-8 effort.

Siakam finished with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists, helping fuel Indiana's highest-scoring effort in a win since Nov. 19.

The Pacers assisted on 37 of their 52 made field goals, led by Nembhard's prolific performance. T.J. McConnell came off the bench to keep Indiana moving effectively, dishing out nine assists.

McConnell was also one of six Pacers to score at least eight points. He joined Quenton Jackson's 12 off the bench, while Aaron Nesmith added another 12.

The Pacers put up 73 first-half points, surging ahead in the second quarter to take a lead they never relinquished. New Orleans pulled within two points on a 7-0 burst midway through the third, but Indiana responded with a quick 9-3 surge.

Indiana kept New Orleans at bay throughout the fourth quarter, building the lead to as many as 14 points.

Zion Williamson, who shot 10-of-12 from the field, led New Orleans with 27 points and seven assists. Trey Murphy III scored 22 points for the Pelicans, but he came in on a run of 30-plus points in four of the previous five games. Murphy was held to 7-of-21 shooting from the floor.

Saddiq Bey added 20 points and Derik Queen posted his third double-double in the last five games with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan Poole came off the bench to knock down 3 of 4 3-point attempts on the way to 11 points.