The 2025-26 season could not have gotten off to a worse start for the Indiana Pacers. They lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder last year. And coming into this year, they were looking anything but healthy and ready.
Myles Turner bolted for Milwaukee. The Achilles injury suffered by superstar Tyrese Haliburton left these Pacers without an elite playmaker. And then, they dropped their first five games of the year. But on Saturday night, trailing the Warriors in the fourth quarter, they finally found a recipe.
Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith stepped up to make sure the team would finally grab a victory. They will not be the last winless team in the association.
The Indiana Pacers Fourth Quarter Blitz
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With 5:43 left in their game with the Golden State Warriors, the Indiana Pacers trailed 104-93. They were already 0-5, yet to pick up a victory on the year after winning the Eastern Conference last season. As Isaiah Jackson stepped to the line, it seemed that the team was ready to go on a run, finally.
And while Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam got the team into a position to have a chance to make the comeback, it was an unexpected source fueling their run. Quenton Jackson, on a two-way contract, playing in just his 44th NBA game, went absolutely nuclear down the stretch of the contest. In total, he finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. But it was his play in the 4th that made all the difference.
He scored 12 of Indy’s final 21 points, including a pair of deep threes. He posted his first career double-double while starting just his second game of the season at point guard. The crazy thing though, is it is far from just Tyrese Haliburton that was missing as Jackson (and Siakam) guided the team to this comeback.
Obi Toppin is already out at least three months. Andrew Nembhard isn’t available. Bennedict Mathurin didn’t play. TJ McConnell was also not able to go. And facing one of the toughest teams in the association with star power like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler did not phase these guys one bit. The frustration of the Warriors postgame only makes this one sweeter for the defending East champs.
A 21-5 run over a 5:47 stretch helped Indy finally get over the hump. Siakam, Nesmith and Q. Jackson all delivered. And the team celebrated accordingly.
Unlikely Heroes Lift Indiana Pacers to Victory
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As the injuries continued to mount for the Indiana Pacers, so did the desperation. And finally, they got over the hump and won one.
Aaron Nesmith finished the day with 31 points on just 19 shots, sinking five triples. Pascal Siakam poured in 27 on 12-23 shooting, while Quenton Jackson had his first double-double. The Pacers had two hardship signings on their bench in this game. But, they stayed the course and won the basketball game.
It’s not a surprise around the league that the team has struggled to win amidst their injury woes. But what is clear, is that this is a group that clearly stays together through thick and thin. They defied the odds to make their first NBA Finals in 25 years last season.
The season may be a tough one for this Indiana team. But, they are a squad to watch out for. They will be a tough out every night.
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