In a stunning turn of events, the Indiana Pacers (26-20) overcame Devin Booker’s 62-point showcase to secure a 133-131 victory against the Phoenix Suns (26-19).
Booker’s early scoring onslaught, including a record-breaking 29 points in the first quarter, set the stage for a Suns’ offensive showcase, but the Pacers mounted a 17-point comeback, sealing the win with Obi Toppin’s putback in the final seconds.
Topping finished the game with with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam’s 31 points played a crucial role in their back-to-back victories against top teams like Philadelphia and Phoenix, even in the absence of injured Tyrese Haliburton.
Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith contributed 22 points each. Nembhard also dished out eight assists.
Kevin Durant provided support for Booker with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes of play.
The Suns saw Bradley Beal leave the game in the third quarter after a collision with Pacers’ Myles Turner. Beal returned in the fourth quarter with cotton stuffed up his nostrils after taking a shot to the nose.
