1. Tough Loss for the Pacers Amid Mathurin’s Off Night
Rick Carlisle did not achieve his 1,000th win against the 76ers on Friday, but the effort was evident. His next chance at this milestone will be on Sunday against the Washington Wizards, where expectations will surely be high as he aims to avoid prolonging the spotlight on this pursuit.
The Pacers came close to victory in Philadelphia but faltered towards the end, ultimately losing 115-105. This game underscored the challenges of the current season, emphasizing that the team faces an uphill battle. Carlisle’s closing lineup included Jay Huff and Garrison Matthews, players who have worked hard to reach the NBA level, making a win with them particularly special.
Unfortunately, the talent disparity proved too significant. After three quarters, the game was tied at 90, but in the final minutes, the Pacers struggled. Ethan Thompson, who had been a bright spot from the G League, fouled out after questionable calls, signaling trouble ahead.
Carlisle received a technical foul in the closing moments due to a missed foul call on Andrew Nembhard, and tensions were high with Pascal Siakam also receiving a tech later for arguing about officiating. Indiana’s attempts to secure back-to-back road wins were hindered; their performance in clutch moments fell short.
Bennedict Mathurin had an unusually quiet night, scoring just seven points on a 2-for-7 shooting effort. Although the team fought hard, winning became improbable when shooting only 40% from the field.
2. Rested Veterans Lead the 76ers to Victory
Joel Embiid’s resurgence was a problem for the Pacers, as he scored a season-high 39 points in just over 32 minutes, dominating the game and showcasing the skills that make him an elite player when healthy. His powerful third-quarter performance prevented Indiana from gaining momentum even when they played better in the fourth.
Paul George, benefiting from a recent break due to the NBA Cup, displayed high energy after Philadelphia’s last game, which they narrowly won against the Lakers. Embiid capitalized on Indiana’s defensive weaknesses inside, reclaiming their lead when it mattered most, further emphasizing his impact.
George’s performance was notable as well, scoring 23 points, along with six rebounds and five assists, contributing significantly while shooting 4-for-7 from deep. This game served as a reminder of his growth since his time in Indiana.
3. Thompson Shines Bright from the G League
Ethan Thompson made an impact in his third game with the Pacers, scoring a career-best 12 points while filling the gap left by the injured Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard. Despite foul troubles limiting his time, he displayed a tenacity that the Pacers desperately need during this difficult phase.
Having journeyed through leagues, including play in Mexico, Thompson’s determination and energy reflect a winning attitude that could keep him in the rotation, even once the injured players return. His style of play is vital for a Pacers team in need of defensive grit and offensive contribution.
Isaiah Jackson also contributed with seven points and nine rebounds, while Jarace Walker’s inconsistent performance continues to be a concern. For Indiana to shift their trajectory, they will need reliable contributions from their bench players.
