Pascal Siakam led the charge with 22 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and nine assists, and the Indiana Pacers put an end to their three-game losing streak by defeating the Washington Wizards 115-103 on Sunday.
The victory, marked by a strong defensive finish, showcased Indiana’s determination to right the ship after a rough stretch of games.
While the Pacers celebrated snapping their skid, the Wizards’ struggles continued. Rookie standouts Alexandre Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly each scored 17 points, with Sarr pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Washington extended its losing streak to 11 games, sinking to an NBA-worst record of 2-13.
Bennedict Mathurin contributed 16 points for Indiana, Moses Brown added 15, and T.J. McConnell chipped in 12. Brown, signed just last week, made an immediate impact, scoring the Pacers’ first eight points and finishing the opening quarter with 11.
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The game remained competitive for much of the evening, with Washington showing flashes of resilience. However, Indiana seized control late, thanks to a decisive 7-2 run in the fourth quarter that widened their lead to 105-98 with just under five minutes remaining. During this crucial stretch, Washington missed six consecutive shots, and the Pacers capitalized, maintaining their advantage through the final buzzer.
For the Pacers, the win also signified modest defensive progress. After allowing a staggering 129.6 points per game during their three-game skid, Indiana held Washington to just 16 points in the fourth quarter. The improved effort on the defensive end will be a key focus as the team looks to build momentum.
On the flip side, the Wizards found little consolation in the loss, though there were some bright spots. The performances of Sarr and Coulibaly continue to provide a glimpse into the team’s future potential. With six of their next eight games at home, Washington has an opportunity to regroup and make incremental improvements.
Despite their struggles, the Wizards stayed within striking distance for much of the contest, but consistent offensive execution remained elusive. Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. will likely point to the fourth-quarter drought as a pivotal moment where the team let the game slip away.
Indiana improved to 5-3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, proving they can protect home court. However, their road record of 2-8 looms large as a hurdle the Pacers must overcome if they hope to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Wizards, meanwhile, are grappling with deeper issues. The 11-game losing streak not only reflects their on-court struggles but also underscores the challenge of developing young talent while staying competitive. For now, their focus will shift to finding any spark that could halt their ongoing slide.
Up next, the Pacers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night as they aim to extend their home dominance. The Wizards, meanwhile, return to Washington for a Tuesday matchup against the Chicago Bulls, hoping to finally snap their double-digit skid in front of their fans.
Sunday’s contest highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two teams: the Pacers taking steps toward stability and the Wizards searching for a path out of their slump. With standout performances from players on both sides, the game provided a compelling narrative of perseverance and potential as the NBA season unfolds.
