Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, guiding his team to a decisive 119-86 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night in an NBA Cup matchup held in Indianapolis.
Indiana delivered one of its most balanced games of the season, showing strength on both ends of the court. The Pacers dominated in rebounding and transition offense, while their defense stifled Washington’s rhythm early. By halftime, Indiana held a commanding lead and never looked back.
Several Pacers contributed efficiently:
Their shooting from beyond the arc gave Indiana a steady margin throughout the game.
The Wizards had difficulty generating consistent offense. Their key players were contained by Indiana’s pressure defense, and missed opportunities led to long scoring droughts. Washington’s bench provided little support, and turnovers turned into easy Pacers points.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s energy and execution, emphasizing their defensive intensity. Wizards coach Brian Keefe noted his team’s struggles to adapt to Indiana’s pace, calling for improvement in ball movement and communication.
“We played with purpose on every possession,” said Siakam after the game. “This is the kind of effort we need to build on.”
The Pacers advance in NBA Cup standings with another strong home win, while the Wizards must regroup to regain competitiveness as the season progresses.
Author’s summary: Indiana overpowered Washington 119-86 behind Siakam’s double-double, showcasing elite defense and cohesive offense in the NBA Cup.