After splitting a pair of matchups earlier this season, Sunday’s season-series finale between the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers wasn’t as close as the first two. The Pacers used a dominant second-quarter performance and capitalized on the Pelicans’ many mistakes on their way to an easy 119-104 victory.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 22 points, while Tyrese Haliburton chipped in with a 21-point, 10-assist double-double. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points, and Myles Turner contributed 14 points along with four blocks as the Pacers collected their third win in their last four games.
For the Pelicans, Brandon Boston came off the bench to lead New Orleans with 20 points, including three three-pointers, in an otherwise tough offensive outing. Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones each scored 19 points, with Murray adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Yves Missi grabbed 14 boards, including five on the offensive end, but New Orleans couldn’t overcome a rash of mistakes and poor shooting.
Costly Turnovers Fuel Pacers’ Momentum
The Pelicans couldn’t get out of their own way on Sunday. After limiting themselves to a season-low six giveaways in their Nov. 1 win over Indiana, New Orleans played much sloppier this time, committing 18 turnovers—15 by the starters alone. Many of those turnovers were unforced, and Indiana capitalized, using its up-tempo style to push the pace and create easy scoring opportunities in transition.
Second-Quarter Collapse
The Pelicans were still in the game after the first quarter, trailing by only three points. However, the second period was a disaster. New Orleans scored only 14 points in those 12 minutes, hitting just five field goals and one three-pointer. A scoring drought that covered the final 4:15 of the half allowed Indiana to extend its lead from eight to 17 points by the break.
Despite better efforts in the second half, the Pelicans were already deep in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. The Pacers saw their lead grow to as much as 23 points in the third, and New Orleans didn’t challenge the rest of the way.
Bright Spots in a Tough Stretch
Herb Jones continues to impact both ends of the floor, scoring 19 points and notching four steals. Yves Missi’s work on the glass (14 rebounds) was another positive, though it reflected the sheer volume of Pelicans misses. Unfortunately, those contributions weren’t enough to stop New Orleans’ fourth consecutive loss and 13th defeat in 14 games.
New Orleans will look to regroup on Thursday when they visit the Houston Rockets.
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