Pacers Stun Thunder in Season’s Biggest NBA Upset

In an unexpected turn of events, the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a stunning 117-114 victory. This thrilling game took place at the Paycom Center and marked the Pacers’ first win against the defending champions this season.

Key Contributors

Andrew Nembhard led the offense with an impressive performance, scoring 27 points and providing 11 assists. Jarace Walker also shone, notching a career-high 26 points. Other notable Pacers include Pascal Siakam with 21 points and Aaron Nesmith, who contributed 17 points along with five rebounds and five assists. Off the bench, Micah Potter added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Thunder Performance

The Thunder’s star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, dominated with 47 points. Chet Holmgren also had a significant impact, scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Despite being 16.5-point favorites going into the game, the Thunder faced difficulties, losing to the Pacers, who improved their record to 11-35.

Strategic Adjustments

The Pacers opted for a smaller lineup in response to a depleted Thunder roster, which was missing five key players. This strategy allowed them to maximize their speed and shooting throughout the game. In the first quarter, they made 16 of their 30 field goal attempts, including 6 of 11 from three-point range, achieving 1.45 points per possession.

• Pacers outscored Thunder 39-28 in the first quarter.
• Pacers shot 7 of 9 to start the game.
• Team showcased remarkable balance, with all five starters making significant contributions.

Individual Highlights

Jarace Walker was a standout player, taking full advantage of his promotion to the starting lineup. He maintained an efficient shooting performance, going 8 of 15 from the field and hitting key free throws in crunch moments. Walker’s strong presence on both offense and defense demonstrated his growing importance to the team.

Aaron Nesmith also showcased a remarkable turnaround in his performance. After struggling with his shooting, he recorded 17 points on 7 of 14 shooting, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. His early three-pointer seemed to lift the team’s overall shooting morale.

This stunning victory not only breaks a three-game losing streak for the Pacers but also signals their capability to compete against top-tier teams in the league, such as the Thunder, who still maintain a solid record of 37-9 despite this setback.