Pacers vs. Thunder: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Indiana Pacers (18-32) play against the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-34) at Paycom Center

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Friday January 28, 2022

Indiana Pacers 113, Oklahoma City Thunder 110 (Final/OT)

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Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Antetokounmpo (38pts, 13reb), Jokic (29pts, 13reb, 10ast), Sabonis (24pts, 18reb, 10ast), and more
Full European recap
Highlights, results, standings #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 1:38 AM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
I asked Domantas Sabonis how his left ankle, which he sprained last week, felt after returning and playing 44 minutes on it in an OT win.
Sabonis had 24 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists for his 18th career triple-double.
“Definitely feels better after a win.” #Pacers pic.twitter.com/2AZZZBxr1j – 1:23 AM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
I asked Rick Carlisle about the resiliency of Jeremy Lamb, who caused a shot clock violation for Indiana in OT but responded with a personal 5-0 run to get the #Pacers back in the game.
“When mistakes happen, you gotta be able to process them very quickly and move on.” pic.twitter.com/R2DEOanXQB – 1:03 AM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
I asked Rick Carlisle to assess what he saw from Domantas Sabonis, who returned from a left ankle sprain and totaled 24 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists for his fifth triple-double of the season.
“A lot of it was just pure grit.” #Pacers pic.twitter.com/f6ANVL2X8x – 12:48 AM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
I asked Rick Carlisle how big Justin Holiday’s steal on Lu Dort and go-ahead layup was with 40.8 seconds left in OT.
“That was certainly the play of the game because it’s a steal and a conversion at the other end. … It was a special sequence.” #Pacers pic.twitter.com/14KSB5sYtD – 12:42 AM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Back on home court tomorrow night vs. the Pacers! See you at the @aacenter for a 6PM tip-off!
#MFFL – 12:28 AM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Five takeaways from the Thunder’s overtime loss to the Pacers oklahoman.com/story/sports/n… – 12:22 AM Ralph Lawler @Ohmeomy
Clippers ran out of miracles in a 121-114 loss in Miami. They came from 23-down to get the attention of the Heat, but could not quite get there. Road trip stands at 3-3 with Charlotte and Indiana to come. – 11:56 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers outlast Thunder in OT thanks to Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday indystar.com/story/sports/n… via @indystar – 11:46 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey: “I’ve never lacked confidence. Confidence is never going to determine the next shot I take. I’ll shoot the next one and expect it to go down.”
Giddey had a 15-10-5 double double. pic.twitter.com/lFblVNVndP – 11:37 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Carlisle said he went to Terry Taylor (8pts in 8mins) because OKC went small … and he’s strong, lengthy and has experience defending guys who want to attack on the dribble.
“Isaiah was in the mix for sure,” he added. – 11:36 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Domas Sabonis after playing 44 mins: “Definitely feels better after a win. To be honest, I couldn’t feel it out there.”
He was more concerned with his conditioning considering he hadn’t played in the last four games.
Had a triple-double against OKC, the team that traded him. – 11:21 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Mark Daigneault on Aaron Wiggins not playing: “I wanted to get Theo in there to send a signal that the Blue matters and you can earn minutes with your time at the Blue. He’ll be back in the mix here soon.” – 11:18 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
a triple-double in his return to the floor
24 PTS | 18 REB | 10 AST
@Domantas Sabonis | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/YuONtik1Ia – 11:15 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Daigneault said it was a “numbers game” that kept Aaron Wiggins out of the rotation tonight. – 11:00 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault on Aaron Wiggins not playing “just a numbers game.” Mentions “you have to take someone out of the rotation” to get Theo Maledon in the rotation. – 10:59 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Rick Carlisle: “This was not the prettiest game. … We were up against it most of the night. … Guys showed a lot of guts just hanging in their and finding a way to get some points on the board.” #Pacers – 10:58 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Daigneault said they’ll know more tomorrow about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s sprained right ankle. – 10:55 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault said sprained right ankle for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and they’ll know more tomorrow. – 10:55 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Domantas Sabonis was key in OKC landing Paul George and in turn landing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 100 1st round picks.
And tonight he helped his old team inch closer to landing a top 5 pick.
Domas is a real one. – 10:53 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder were up big before SGA went out.
Dort, Giddey and Bench Baze with big games to take the Pacers to OT.
Another close, fun game that helps OKC’s odds in the Jabari/Paolo/Chet sweepstakes.
Double bonus giving the Pacers a W. – 10:50 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
OVERTIME DUB!
#PacersWin | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/vKUomOhyNN – 10:45 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Final: #Pacers 113, OKC 110 OT.
WHAT. A. GAME.
Domantas Sabonis with 24 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his return, his fifth triple-double of the season.
Justin Holiday scored 22 points and came up clutch down the stretch. – 10:44 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Pacers scored 11 of the final 13 points in OT to win at OKC, 113-110.
Sabonis had a triple-double (24-18-10) and Holiday scored 22. Duarte (right ankle) and Bitadze (right foot) left with injuries.
Up next: at Dallas on Sat. – 10:43 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Pacers beat the Thunder 113-110. Burn the footage of this game and never speak of it again. – 10:43 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Final from OT pic.twitter.com/XoqTqOXrUi – 10:43 PM John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Seems like neither Darius Bazley nor Tre Mann wanted this layup. pic.twitter.com/hRBp5S6tb1 – 10:43 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mike Muscala has finally embraced the tank. True Organizational leadership. – 10:42 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Sabonis first game back from injury:
24 PTS
18 REB
10 AST
2 STK
2 BLK
Back to building up his trade value. pic.twitter.com/1XRO6mLjhh – 10:42 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
I am morally against teams fouling up 3 since it is a soulless play, but the Pacers should do it here to help win this game. – 10:40 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
In other OKC draft picks news, the Clippers finally lost. pic.twitter.com/u0u9eRYZpC – 10:39 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Two free throws from @Justin Holiday puts us up 113-110 with 6.5 seconds remaining in OT. – 10:39 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Wild sequence of events leads to Justin Holiday being fouled, up 1.
He made both FTs, so it’s a Pacers’ three-point lead with 6.5 seconds left.
Do the Pacers foul here? – 10:39 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Justin Holiday makes both. #Pacers lead 113-110 with 6.5 seconds left in OT. – 10:38 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Thunder had 2 bunnies to take the lead late but missed both, somehow. Point blank range. Pacers ball with free throws coming up by 1. – 10:38 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Mike Muscala just missed a BUNNY to potentially win the game. #Pacers grab the rebound and Justin Holiday gets fouled.
Indiana leads 111-110 with 6.5 seconds left in OT. Holiday to shoot two free throws. – 10:37 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
LU TH3 B3AST
@luthebeast | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/6rzW3NtQ7v – 10:36 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
👀👀👀 – 10:36 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Oh dear. The Thunder just had several easy chances at a go-ahead bucket and came away with nothing. – 10:36 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Huge steal and score from Justin Holiday to give the Pacers a 111-110 lead with 40 seconds to go here in OT. – 10:35 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
JUSTIN! Steal and score puts us up one in OT!
IND 111
OKC 110
40.8 seconds left – 10:34 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Sabonis scores a layup, and then Justin Holiday rips Lu Dort fort a breakaway layup. #Pacers lead 111-110 with 40.8 seconds left. WOW. – 10:33 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Jeremy Lamb with back-to-back baskets, second one was an and-1. #Pacers trail 108-107. – 10:31 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
COOL HAND LU 👌
he’s got two 3’s in OT pic.twitter.com/HOl7sm90dW – 10:30 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
fearless
@Josh Giddey | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/Mzr7rjL5pQ – 10:28 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Jeremy Lamb missed Caris LeVert for what would’ve been a wide open 3, passed it super late. Lu Dort makes a 3 on the other end. #Pacers trail 105-102. – 10:27 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Domantas Sabonis and Josh Giddy exchange buckets. Tied at 102. #Pacers – 10:25 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder going with Giddey, Dort, Williams, Bazley and Muscala to start overtime. – 10:25 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
To OT we go pic.twitter.com/MBKWBnCeS7 – 10:24 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Domantas Sabonis has 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. #Pacers – 10:23 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey’s high IQ is constantly mentioned by teammates and coaches.
He showed it off at the end of regulation.
In a crowd with the clock winding down, Giddey volleyball spiked a rebound to halfcourt to make sure the Pacers didn’t get another shot to win it. – 10:23 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
The Thunder win this game in regulation with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. – 10:23 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
we got free basketball on @BallySportsOK 📺 pic.twitter.com/BFx0THmrx5 – 10:23 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
The Thunder didn’t score in the last 2:20 of regulation. – 10:22 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
We’re headed to OT tied at 100. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/Q8tgEDkICL – 10:22 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
The Pacers did not use a timeout there? – 10:22 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
The Thunder-Pacers overtime game we all deserve. – 10:21 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Sabonis ties it at 100! We’re under a minute to play. – 10:21 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Pacers and Thunder tied at 100 with under 30 seconds to go. An exciting finish coming in OKC. – 10:21 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Sabonis ties the game at 100. He also has a triple-double. #Pacers – 10:20 PM J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
OKC loads the paint to shut off middle. Holiday is waiting. LeVert expects him to shift down the arc. Doh! pic.twitter.com/ap2PVauRap – 10:20 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Jeremy Lamb just missed a pair of free throws that would’ve tied the game. #Pacers get the ball though because the rebound was tipped out by OKC. 1:03 left in the game. Indiana down 100-98. – 10:19 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
And another triple-double for Domas Sabonis, his fifth of the season.
18-14-10. – 10:18 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Duarte is injured. He’s holding his right ankle and hobbled to the bench. Subs out of the game. – 10:18 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Giddey from down under!
@Josh Giddey | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/Zmh6WoeDE0 – 10:17 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
To make matters worse, Chris Duarte rolled his right ankle. He’s on the bench and now being looked at. – 10:17 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Chris Duarte just went down with what looked like a lower leg injury. He subs out. #Pacers – 10:17 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Caris LeVert misses two free throws, Tre Mann makes a 3 on the other end to give OKC a 96-94 lead and then Domantas Sabonis gets called for an illegal pick on Lu Dort. 3:12 left in the game. #Pacers – 10:13 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Tre Mann continues to create an incredible amount of space with his stepback. – 10:12 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Goga Bitadze has a sore right foot and his night is over. – 10:09 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
closing Tyme
@Ty Jerome | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/HmxALvoHs2 – 10:08 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Goga Bitadze is OUT for the rest of the game with a sore foot, per #Pacers PR. – 10:08 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
WEIGHT ROOM 🏋‍
@Domantas Sabonis | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/YrnUeyC0z3 – 10:02 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
I thought Ty Jerome was going to try and dunk that. Would’ve been the first of his career. – 10:01 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Jay Scrubb about to enter for Clippers. Serge Ibaka is only Clipper who has yet to enter the game tonight. Ibaka has played in every game since not making the Utah-OKC trip. – 10:01 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Well, OKC just went on a little spurt and has retaken the lead at 87-83 with 7:34 remaining. #Pacers – 10:01 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Well, it’s been ugly, but the Pacers are back ahead after a tough Sabinis layup. It’s 83-82. 29-12 Pacers run. – 10:00 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has 10pts, suffered a right ankle sprain and will not return.
Pacers up one with 9mins left. – 9:59 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Sabonis just have the #Pacers an 83-82 lead on a putback layup. – 9:59 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Thunder say Gilgeous-Alexander will not return (right ankle sprain). – 9:57 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Lance Domas
@Lance Stephenson | @Domantas Sabonis pic.twitter.com/bK2f8XcVYP – 9:56 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Justin Holiday 3 just cut the lead to one. OKC calls timeout up 82-81 with 9:19 left in the period. #Pacers – 9:55 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right ankle sprain) will not return.
OKC was a +10 in his 17 minutes and are a -6 in the 20 minutes he’s been out. – 9:54 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
entering the final frame with a 7-point lead
@DevonEnergy 4th Quarter Commitment pic.twitter.com/66hjLsAqwx – 9:54 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will not return tonight per Thunder PR. – 9:52 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
SGA with a right ankle sprain and will not return, per OKC Prr. #Pacers – 9:52 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson each scored 17pts points last game to lead the Pacers.
Bitadze’s played two minutes tonight, Jackson is a DNP. Two-way wing Terry Taylor, who they’ve wanted to evaluate, has played 7mins and has more shots (7) than Duarte (6).
Bizarre. – 9:52 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right ankle sprain) will not return, per the Thunder. – 9:51 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Caris LeVert (worth at least 2 1st round picks) tried going one on one at the buzzer vs Lu Dort and it went exactly the way you’d expect it to. – 9:51 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
End of 3Q: OKC 80, #Pacers 72
Indiana fortunate to only be down 8 after shooting 6-for-22 in the quarter.
Lu Dort has a game-high 15 points.
Sabonis with 11 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. – 9:51 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
within range pic.twitter.com/1sYGd4iCne – 9:50 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Quietly a nice Jeremy Lamb game, who is breaking down the OKC defense well. – 9:49 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
The year is 2025 and we are still in the third quarter of this tank-off Pacers/Thunder game. – 9:45 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Caris LeVert is having probably his first game of the season. 1-for-12 with 3 points, but his fourth foul was just overturned so he’ll stay in the game and shoot two free throws. #Pacers – 9:44 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers are challenging an offensive foul call on Caris LeVert, which would be his fourth. I don’t think this will be overturned. – 9:42 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Dort, drives and dishes
@luthebeast | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/5Gk8fdN7GL – 9:41 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
If you’re getting your first introduction to Terry Taylor during this game – this is what he does. He has half of the pacers offensive rebounds and 8 points tonight. Has been excellent in the G League. – 9:39 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Terry Taylor has 8 points and 5 rebounds in 6 minutes. #Pacers – 9:39 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
No Aaron Wiggins so far in this one. He’s played in every game since Dec. 23 – 9:35 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers have scored just 3 points in the 3Q. 5:46 left in the period. OKC leading 70-54. – 9:34 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Torrey with the block
Chris with the Boom Baby
@Torrey Craig | @Chris Duarte pic.twitter.com/6cEtS1kRDQ – 9:28 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Finally, after 4 and a half minutes, the Pacers get a shot to go here in the third quarter. They’re now down 12 and started the quarter 0/8. – 9:27 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Gid into it yuh pic.twitter.com/wRmrfLEXM4 – 9:26 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Pacers’ start to the second half: 0 for 8, outscored 12-0.
Now a double-digit deficit in OKC. Sabonis, who is on the verge of another triple-double, needs help… – 9:26 PM Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
Torrey Craig with a nice block that is allowed in Olympic play but not in the NBA – 9:26 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers were 0-for-8 this quarter before that 3 by Chris Duarte. Indiana trails 66-54. – 9:25 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ankle injury looked bad but luckily I am not a doctor – 9:23 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went down hard, grabbed at his leg right above his ankle, painfully shot 2 free throws and darted/limped to the locker room.
Hope all is well with SGA. – 9:23 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
SGA to the locker room. Hate that. Had to limp off the court. – 9:22 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
You know what I’m gonna say partner, that’s nasty!
Happy Birthday @exhoopsmc!! pic.twitter.com/1eGuYfvw3W – 9:22 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Sabonis fouls SGA and SGA comes up limping badly. I believe it’s his right ankle. He’s headed straight to the locker room with 10:09 left in the 3Q. #Pacers – 9:21 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Shai is limping badly. He’s headed straight to the locker room. – 9:21 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
They have a “Drip” cam in OKC, and it’s going about how you’d expect. 💀💀 – 9:19 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
An easy 8-0 from OKC, and it only took about 90 seconds, and they’re up 11 on the Pacers. – 9:18 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
OKC is doing everything they can to win this game. – 9:17 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Thunder start the second half on an 8-0 run. #Pacers call timeout trailing 62-51. – 9:17 PM Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
Muscala starts the second half in place of JRE and this lineup gives the Thunder a ton of social distancing space to work in – 9:17 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Mike Muscala is starting the second half over JRE. Puts even more shooting on the floor for these young guards. – 9:16 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Every Tre Mann attempt looks like the prettiest shot I’ve ever seen. – 9:16 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
only played a half and already on triple-double watch
9 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST
@Domantas Sabonis | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/7cCOQuTYcT – 9:10 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Clean 35-point first quarter without a turnover. Bulls definitely straightening up the messy ball-handling displayed against OKC and Toronto. – 9:06 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
close one at the half pic.twitter.com/jP5IjOiTgW – 9:04 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
nahhhh
@Domantas Sabonis | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/ryCV0pI0LD – 9:03 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Halftime: OKC 54, #Pacers 51
Lu Dort has a game-high 11 points, Darius Bazley with 10, SGA with 8.
Domantas Sabonis is doing it all with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. On his way to his fifth triple-double of the season. – 9:03 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Halftime: Thunder 54, Pacers 51
– Fun half. Neither team led by more than six.
– Fastbreak points: Thunder 10-0
– Points off turnovers: Thunder 10-0
– Points in the paint: Thunder 38-22 – 9:02 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
another half coming up on @BallySportsOK pic.twitter.com/iYHDbPTb9K – 9:02 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Thunder up on the Pacers 54-51 at the break. Pacers shooting better from all distances and mostly playing good halfcourt defense, but they are getting killed in the possession battle and it’s causing them to fall behind OKC. – 9:02 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
That Jeremiah Robinson-Earl dive to the rim was chef’s kiss. He has played a phenomenal game. – 9:01 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Thunder up 54-51 at half, scoring 38pts in the paint.
A bit concerning that Duarte and LeVert have two points each at halftime. They’re a combined 2 for 10. These are games both should have 20+.
Justin Holiday has 10pts, Dort with 11. – 9:00 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
🪡🤯
#ThéoMaledon @BazleyDarius pic.twitter.com/UmbgxQ2XAw – 8:55 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Lance Stephenson whistled for his third foul. He walks to the bench and lets everyone know, “THAT’S SOME BULLSHIT.” Thunder up 46-42. #Pacers – 8:55 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Darius Bazley is 4-of-4 with a team-high 10 points in nine minutes off the bench. – 8:53 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Mamadi Diakite is turning in solid minutes. He’s doing a ton of talking on defense, which is a good sign for a new guy. – 8:53 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
that @UVAMensHoops connection
@Ty Jerome @_mdiakite pic.twitter.com/ZBtlB5CWqJ – 8:51 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Pacers shooting themselves in the foot in the possession game. 9 turnovers so far and 4 offensive rebounds from OKC. That’s got the Thunder up 41-39. – 8:50 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
on the same wavelength tonight
@Domantas Sabonis | @Justin Holiday pic.twitter.com/FajMrW3pZS – 8:46 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Théo with the terrific find!
#ThéoMaledon @_mdiakite pic.twitter.com/mWi15KYdem – 8:43 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Terry Taylor was a perfect 3-for-3 in his career. I pointed that out to @iksnimaksew and @PacersDMB and he then of course Taylor misses seconds later. Lol my bad, bro! 😭 #Pacers – 8:42 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Terry Taylor with another layup. He’s tied his career high (4 pts) from Wednesday night. #Pacers – 8:41 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Two things I don’t understand: Lance, their best option at PG, should start. And most of his minutes should be when Sabonis is in. Or at least a big.
Right now, it’s Brissett at the 5. Two-way wing Terry Taylor at the 4. And they’re playing zone. – 8:40 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
through one, and we got a good one!
OKC 30-29 IND pic.twitter.com/PFla7Faj8s – 8:38 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Duane Washington was the first Pacer off the bench tonight and now Terry Taylor is getting some burn in the rotation. Carlisle mixing up his rotation. – 8:38 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Putting my money on Mike Muscala winning the NBA All Star 3 point contest, even with no chance he’s a contestant. – 8:38 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Undrafted rookie Terry Taylor starting the second quarter. Interesting that Carlisle went to him instead of Goga. #Pacers – 8:37 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Theo Maledon Minutes! – 8:36 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Theo Maledon in to start the second quarter. – 8:35 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
End of 1Q: OKC 30, #Pacers 29
Thunder ended the first quarter with a 3 by Mike Muscala. Lu Dort has a game-high 9 points.
Domantas Sabonis is his usual self with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Indiana needs to slow the pace down a bit. Feels like another shootout. – 8:35 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
one done in OKC pic.twitter.com/BUKL7VAiKG – 8:35 PM James Plowright @British_Buzz
The Hornets hang the score from the 2020-21 play in game loss against the Pacers in their locker room pic.twitter.com/4rQikEZUc6 – 8:35 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Fun, back-and-forth first quarter with 7 lead changes. Thunder lead the Pacers 30-29 at the end of the first 12. Sabonis already has 6-7-4 – 8:35 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Fast start by the Pacers, but then OKC settled in and leads 31-30.
Story of the first quarter: Pacers had 7 turnovers before Thunder had one, Thunder 10-0 in fast break points and Sabonis was dominant (6-7-4). – 8:34 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Sheesh that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander slam was incredible. – 8:32 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
GIDDEY GOING BEHIND THE BACK
@Josh Giddey @Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pic.twitter.com/hZuYESNdCA – 8:27 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Well, OKC likes to run and that’s exactly what they’re doing. Josh Giddy just dropped it off to SGA for a dunk. Thunder now lead the #Pacers 16-15. – 8:24 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey with a beauty of a behind the back pass on a fast break to SGA for a dunk.
Thunder fans gonna be seeing lots of that the next decade. – 8:24 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
nice pass, nice finish
@Domantas Sabonis | @Justin Holiday pic.twitter.com/TmMTcMZE4c – 8:24 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Behind the back pass by Josh Giddey for a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander slam they smile and laugh their way into the huddle pic.twitter.com/MaUXqnCex1 – 8:23 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Giddey behind-the-back pass in transition to SGA for the slam. That was nice. – 8:23 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl the rebounding machine tonight. – 8:23 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Beast goes defense to offense 💪
@luthebeast | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/lxkeebSC9j – 8:21 PM Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
SGA with a drive and kick to Tre Mann.
Fortunately the pass was off the mark and Mann had to chase it down, because it allowed him to set up for that jab stepback 3. – 8:21 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Tre Mann step back of the night. – 8:21 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
Pacers have zoned up on the Thunder a bit, who are the worst shooting team in the league. So far so good, as OKC has 7 points in 5 and a half minutes. Pacers up 13-7. – 8:19 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
up first!
@Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
@luthebeast
@Josh Giddey
@Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
@Tre Mann
Presented by @EnergyTransfer pic.twitter.com/HPkK9aJJfY – 8:18 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
OKC calls timeout. #Pacers lead 13-7 after a corner 3 from Torrey Craig. Domantas Sabonis with the hockey assist. – 8:17 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Well, it’s good to have Sabonis back. He drops a dime to Justin Holiday for a reverse dunk. #Pacers – 8:15 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Domantas Sabonis scores the first bucket of the night on a jump hook. Chris Duarte adds a midrange jumper. #Pacers up 4-0. – 8:11 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Pacers rookie Chris Duarte is older than every Thunder starter.
(Assist to @CrainNBA) – 8:11 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Javonte Green’s playing-time restriction is 24-26 minutes tonight, per Billy Donovan. Will “move up incrementally” moving forward
Green was on a 22-25 minute limit in first two games back from groin strain. Played 25 vs. OKC, 24 vs. TOR – 8:10 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Tonight’s view featuring Jeremy Lamb. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/B9PfYdjU5w – 8:09 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
The Thunder starters
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey
Tre Mann
Lu Dort
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Interesting… – 8:01 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder starters vs. Pacers
– SGA
– Giddey
– Mann
– Dort
– Robinson-Earl – 8:00 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers starters tonight:
— Caris LeVert
— Justin Holiday
— Chris Duarte
— Torrey Craig
— Domantas Sabonis (back after missing four straight games with a sprained left ankle) – 7:52 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
💡 Friday Night Lights 💡 pic.twitter.com/MLv03TXX9n – 7:40 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
2⃣2⃣ pic.twitter.com/JdczBc2xF8 – 7:31 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
“The next couple of games, we got to come out with a different mindset. That cannot happen again.”
Pacers had a much-needed practice on Thursday. Then, Sabonis and a few others spoke about their humiliating loss.
fieldhousefiles.substack.com/p/pacers-after… – 7:07 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
We’ll find out soon if Domantas Sabonis will return from his left ankle sprain and play against his former team. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/fthEF1xwI0 – 7:02 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Skills and drills with Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/O6eM5Rzi1I – 6:54 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
let’s start the weekend right pic.twitter.com/GxOhsI8nOW – 6:49 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Domantas Sabonis (left ankle sprain) is a game-time decision. He went through pregame walkthrough, and Rick Carlisle said he thinks Sabonis will play but couldn’t say definitively. #Pacers – 6:37 PM Tony East @TEastNBA
“I don’t know for sure that Domas is going to play, but I think he’s going to play,” Rick Carlisle says of Sabonis pregame. Won’t say definitely, but says he will “probably” play. – 6:34 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault on holding starters “I don’t want to set a long term expectations that I’m always going to establish starters.” Says he isn’t trying to gain the competitive edge against Indiana but “at a future point in time” they might want to do that. – 6:32 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault on Theo Maledon being in the rotation tonight “maybe, yeah.” – 6:30 PM Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Three years ago: Victor Oladipo has surgery in Miami to repair a ruptured right quad tendon.
He played just 28 more games with the Pacers, then was dealt to Houston, then Miami. – 6:20 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
pullin’ up 👟👟 pic.twitter.com/lGRX7bilZs – 6:18 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Gideon Hamilton (@WWLSPlayback) and @Royce Young are back on the Thunder radio call tonight.
Was happy to share Gideon’s story:
oklahoman.com/story/sports/n… – 6:18 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
How Mike Muscala is managing a lingering ankle injury oklahoman.com/story/sports/n… – 5:50 PM Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Tomorrow is (finally) the Mavs-Rick Carlisle reunion, so I caught up with Rick this afternoon before the Pacers get to Dallas.
Here’s our Q&A on the “almost impossible” task of how he’s game-planning vs. Luka Doncic and the surging Mavs: dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 4:59 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
Join #Pacers alum Darnell Hillman at Brothers Bar & Grill Downtown for tomorrow night’s game as part of our Pacers Bar Network presented by @coronaextrausa.
We’ll be giving away tickets and other prizes, while supplies last! Details: https://t.co/ZT5hArDEkk pic.twitter.com/lOTzIFFBux – 4:23 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
All season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has strolled into arenas wearing 2Pac t-shirts. In honor of @Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s love for ‘Pac, here’s an eight-song soundtrack to the All-Star candidate’s prolific and poetic 2021-22 Thunder season 💿 – 3:00 PM Indiana Pacers @Pacers
“Mentoring is something that’s very important in this world. Bringing up the youth and them.”
@Keifer Sykes on the importance of having positive role models 💯 #NationalMentoringMonth pic.twitter.com/VkiWDcjLIZ – 2:54 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
Following a hard-fought battle against the Bulls on Monday where the Thunder nearly overcame a 28-point deficit, the team utilized the three days to rest, recharge and soak up two strong practices.
@OUHealth Game Day Report
📝 | https://t.co/w0ybpA0kZG pic.twitter.com/bmaEV77m7T – 2:16 PM