Antetokounmpo, Adebayo Lead Heat Past Short-Handed Pacers in NBA Cup Opener
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists as Miami defeated Indiana 145-125 on Friday night.
By Hugo Cook ·
The NBA Cup group stage commenced on Friday night with Miami securing a decisive victory over a depleted Indiana squad. The Heat defeated the Pacers 145-125 to extend their winning streak to two games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the effort with 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in 31 minutes. It marked his second triple-double of the season. Bam Adebayo contributed 27 points while shooting 11 of 14 from the field. Klay Thompson added 25 points, including seven three-pointers, in his best performance since joining the team.
Miami controlled the game's flow by outscoring Indiana 67-46 in the second and third quarters. Pelle Larsson scored 18 points and Davion Mitchell recorded 15 points and 11 assists for the Heat.
The Pacers, who had only 11 players available, managed 42 points in the first quarter but scored just 46 in the next two periods combined. Quenton Jackson finished with 24 points, and Andrew Nembhard added 22. Jarace Walker contributed 14 points, while Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff scored 13 points each.
Acting coach Lloyd Pierce stated that Tyrese Haliburton is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain. Obi Toppin exited before shootaround on Friday due to a back injury. Pierce filled in for head coach Rick Carlisle, who was attending his father's funeral in Ogdensburg, New York.
The loss places the Pacers at a disadvantage in their bid to advance from group play. The event is in its fourth year, and teams reaching the knockout round have previously finished the opening stage with records of 4-0 or 3-1. Indiana will host Brooklyn on Sunday, while Miami travels to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Monday.
Source: Newsday
