Pascal Siakam scored 25 points as the Indiana Pacers dominated the Chicago Bulls 145-126 Wednesday night at the United Center.
The Pacers recorded their highest-scoring game of the season, improving to 18-58 and moving one game ahead of the Washington Wizards for last place.
Ethan Thompson added 24 points, while Kobe Brown and Jay Huff each contributed 17 points in the blowout.
Indiana shot 57 percent from the field, connecting on 58 of 102 attempts, and made 90 percent of their free throws with nine of ten converted.
The Pacers also outrebounded Chicago 41-46, with Huff and Brown combining for 11 boards.
Guerschon Yabusele led the Bulls with 20 points, and Collin Sexton added 18, but the team struggled to match Indiana’s pace.
Chicago shot 48 percent overall but was 13-for-39 from three-point range and 73 percent from the free-throw line.
Matas Buzelis contributed 17 points and nine rebounds, while Tre Jones scored 15, but the Bulls could not prevent Indiana from building a double-digit lead by halftime.
The Pacers extended their momentum from Sunday’s home win over Miami, improving scoring balance with contributions from multiple starters and bench players.
Quenton Jackson added eight points, and Ethan Thompson led the second unit with five assists.
Indiana’s fast start and efficient shooting allowed the team to maintain control despite a late surge from Chicago.
The Bulls have now lost five straight games, four of which came on the road, dropping their record to 29-47.
Indiana will travel to Charlotte on Friday, while Chicago faces the New York Knicks in their next matchup.
