Nembhard shines as Pacers edge Thunder in NBA thriller

INDIANAPOLIS: Andrew Nembhard led the Indiana Pacers with 27 points and 11 assists and led his team to a difficult win of 117-114 over the Oklahoma City Thunder here at Paycom Center. The victory ended a three-match losing spurt the Indiana team was facing, and in a dramatic replay of last season’s NBA Finals.

Nembhard was among the three Pacers who had 20 or more, along with Jarace Walker, with 26, and Pascal Siakam, with 21. Indiana led early by creating a 17-point lead and a 12-point lead with five minutes to go. Oklahoma City made a late rally, but the Pacers stood strong in the final few seconds. Walker coolly made four critical free throws, and Isaiah Joe missed a possible game-tying three-pointer with three seconds remaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 47 points led the way on the night, as Gilgeous-Alexander was 17/28 and 12/12 on the field and the free-throw line, respectively.

Chet Holmgren also pitched in a 25 point 13 rebounds double-double. The Thunder were unable to do it, but they were not helped by the fact that key players were missing, such as Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso. Indiana, which is currently dealing with losing Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury, displayed strength on the road, going to 3-19 away games. First-quarter scoring was rapid, and prompt shooting by Walker enabled the Pacers to hold on, despite a late Oklahoma City surge.

The Pacers are now planning to ride on the back of this morale-enhancing win, and will be facing Atlanta Hawks next. Web Desk