Pascal Siakam recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers ended a three-game losing streak with a 119-86 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bennedict Mathurin added 20 points, and T.J. McConnell contributed 14 points with eight assists to lift Indiana to 3-16, moving them off the NBA’s bottom spot.
The Wizards, now 2-16, replaced the Pacers in last place after a night marked by turnovers and poor shooting. Alex Sarr led Washington with 24 points and eight rebounds, but the team shot just 39% from the field and 22% from three-point range.
Indiana controlled the first half, with Siakam scoring 17 points and grabbing six rebounds to help the Pacers lead 64-52 at halftime. The advantage grew to 94-83 after three quarters, fueled by strong perimeter shooting from Mathurin and contributions from McConnell.
Injuries continue to impact the Pacers, who are playing without Tyrese Haliburton following his Achilles tear in the NBA Finals. Despite the absence, Indiana showcased improved ball movement and defensive intensity to contain Washington’s key scorers.
The Wizards entered the game coming off a 132-113 home win over Atlanta, snapping a 14-game losing streak, but could not carry that momentum into Indiana. Washington’s five starters combined for only 76 points, while the bench contributed minimal scoring.
Indiana out-rebounded Washington 50-42 and recorded 11 assists on 48 made field goals, highlighting the team’s efficiency in execution. The Pacers also forced 17 turnovers and limited the Wizards to 65% free-throw shooting, controlling the game on both ends of the floor.
Looking ahead, the Pacers host Chicago on Saturday, aiming to build on their dominant performance, while the Wizards return home to face Milwaukee on Monday. Indiana’s victory provides a needed morale boost in the early season struggle, while Washington must regroup to avoid falling further behind in the NBA Cup standings.
