Pacers Outlast Weary Pelicans To End New Orleans Road Win Streak
The New Orleans Pelicans road win streak is broken after a 123-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers on ESPN. New Orleans was playing on the second night of a back-to-back and didn't get into Indiana until early Wednesday morning because of a plane malfunction. The Pelicans did their best to keep the game close, but in the end, they didn't have enough gas to make it to the finish line.
New Orleans started the game sluggish, looking like a team on the second night of back-to-back games. Indiana took full advantage by pushing the pace at every opportunity and creating easy baskets for themselves. The Pacers assisted on 13 of their first 16 made baskets in the first quarter. They dominated the painted area, outscoring New Orleans 20-10 in the restricted area and shooting 64% from the field. Obi Toppin led them in scoring with nine points off the bench.
Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana pushed their lead to 20 points early in the second quarter before the Pelicans buckled down on defense. They implemented a zone midway through the quarter that gave the Pacers some issues getting into their offense quickly. New Orleans then pounded the ball offensively in the low block to Zion Williamson, drawing three first-half fouls on Pacers center Myles Turner. The Pelicans won the battle inside 18-6, and, at one point, cut the Indiana lead down to six points late in the quarter. A couple of three-pointers by the Pacers pushed the lead to 64-53 at halftime.
New Orleans trimmed the lead under double-digits a couple of times, but never got it below five points in the third quarter. The Pelicans continued to shoot themselves in the foot throughout the game when trying to make a run. New Orleans committed ten turnovers through the first three quarters, leading to ten points by the Pacers. The Pelicans remained in striking distance, down 96-86 heading into the fourth quarter.
New Orleans seemed poise to potentially steal a victory when they cut the Pacers lead to three points with less than four minutes remaining. The home team went on a 7-0 run to again go up by double-digits and seal the victory. Brandon Ingram led all scorers with 30 points on the night, while Zion Williamson finished with 23 points. Pascal Siakim led the Pacers with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Indiana showed why they lead the NBA in assists, points, and points in the paint. The Pacers got key baskets when they needed in the game, wearing down the weary Pelicans down the stretch. These teams meet again Friday night in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
