The Indiana Pacers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 135-134 in overtime during their preseason opener on Tuesday at Target Center. RayJ Dennis led the Pacers with 16 points off the bench in 19 minutes.
Indiana jumped ahead 37-29 after the first quarter behind Pascal Siakam’s 14 points. The Pacers shot 47.9% from the field and connected on 20 threes at 43.5%.
Minnesota stayed close in the second, trailing 65-57 at halftime. Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting.
The third quarter tightened up as both teams traded baskets. Jarace Walker added 13 points for Indiana, including a key three-pointer late in the frame.
The fourth saw Minnesota rally from a 13-point deficit to force overtime on a Johnny Juzang three-pointer that tied it at 124. Juzang finished with a game-high 20 points from the bench for the hosts.
Overtime turned chaotic with six lead changes in the final minute. Dennis drained a three-pointer to put Indiana up by three with 1:45 left, sealing the victory after a missed free throw by Tristen Newton.
The Pacers scored 48 points in the paint and outran Minnesota 28-18 in fast breaks. Indiana grabbed 50 rebounds to the Timberwolves’ 41.
Siakam dished three assists alongside his scoring. Edwards added two assists but struggled with efficiency.
Bennedict Mathurin contributed eight points and four rebounds for the visitors. Julius Randle tallied 14 points and four boards for Minnesota before fouling out.
T.J. McConnell handed out seven assists in 16 minutes off the bench. Naz Reid scored 10 points with three rebounds for the Timberwolves.
Indiana forced 20 turnovers while committing 24 themselves. The Pacers converted 25 of 31 free throws at 80.6%.
