The Indiana Pacers celebrated their first home victory of the season with a 114-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The standout performance came from Pascal Siakam, who scored 28 points while also contributing eight rebounds and five assists. Ivica Zubac and Andrew Nembhard each recorded double-doubles, with Zubac adding 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Nembhard finishing with 17 points and 10 assists. The Pacers dominated in the paint, outscoring the Wizards 60-44 in that area, and they enjoyed a strong fourth quarter, outpacing Washington 37-24 to seal the win. Kelly Oubre Jr., a former Wizard, added 14 points, six rebounds, and four steals to the effort.

The game saw the Pacers take control with a decisive 14-0 run to start the fourth quarter, which proved pivotal after a tightly contested match that had seen the teams tied at 77-77 heading into the final period. Nembhard and Larry Nance Jr. were crucial during this stretch, with Nembhard hitting a pull-up jumper to give Indiana a 91-77 lead. Despite a sore right knee sidelining Aaron Nesmith for the fourth quarter, the Pacers' unique lineup, which included two-way contract player Jalen Slawson, effectively maintained their momentum. Slawson, who had just played in a G League game the previous night, contributed with a dunk that further extended the lead, showcasing the depth and adaptability of the Pacers' roster.S2S3

On the Wizards' side, Kyshawn George led the team with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Anthony Davis added 21 points and 13 rebounds. However, the Wizards' struggles continued, marking their fifth consecutive loss, as they fell to a 4-8 record. The Pacers improved to 4-8 as well, marking a significant morale boost with their first home win since March 29, when they defeated the Miami Heat. The game highlighted both teams' challenges, with the Pacers looking to build on this momentum and the Wizards searching for answers to halt their losing streak.S1S3