Indiana Regains Control Late to Defeat Sacramento 116–105

Doug Mcschooler

The Indiana Pacers secured their second consecutive victory Monday night, defeating the Sacramento Kings 116–105 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Andrew Nembhard delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, finishing with 28 points and a season-high 12 assists. His fourth-quarter surge helped Indiana reclaim momentum after Sacramento briefly seized control. Bennedict Mathurin added 25 points and Pascal Siakam contributed 23 as the Pacers improved to 6–18, matching their best stretch of the season with wins in four of their last six games after beginning 2–16. Despite the loss, Sacramento received a standout performance from Russell Westbrook, who recorded 24 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds. The triple-double was his fourth of the season and the 207th of his career. DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points and Zach LaVine added 16 for the Kings, who fell to 6–18. Indiana controlled much of the first half, leading 66–51 at the break and stretching the margin to 77–58 on a Nembhard layup midway through the third quarter. Sacramento responded with a 37-point quarter, cutting the deficit to 92–88 heading into the fourth. The Kings then opened the final period with an 11–0 run, taking a 101–97 lead after a driving finish from Westbrook.

Nembhard halted the surge with a three-pointer, followed by another from Mathurin to put Indiana back in front, 103–101. Nembhard added another three and a layup on consecutive possessions, rebuilding the Pacers’ advantage to 108–101 and sealing the victory.

Sacramento, coming off a road win in Miami on Saturday, fell short in its attempt to secure back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.

Up Next:Kings: Host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.Pacers: Visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.