Pacers earn first home win of season over Wizards: Seven things learned
The Pacers first home win in 227 days.
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers were back home after a quick trip to... Memphis, Mexico City, and Dallas. Sure. Technically, they played a home game in that stretch since their battle in Mexico's capital was registered as such – Wednesday night marked a return to Indianapolis.
The Washington Wizards were in town, bringing No. 1 overall pick A.J. Dybantsa to Indy for the first time along with Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Davis had a 30-point half earlier this week. The Wizards are not as easy foe despite their 4-8 record.
And Tyrese Haliburton remains out – at least 10 more days, head coack Rick Carlisle said pregame. The Pacers needed this win for the vibes. What was learned in Pacers vs Wizards?
Tony East
Rebounding remained a problem for the Pacers early
The Pacers continued to struggle on the boards against the Wizards even after a massive rebounding deficit proved costly in Dallas.
While some of the imbalance on the boards comes from the Pacers prioritizing transition defense over the offensive glass, their defensive rebounding work has not been good enough this year. In just the first quarter of this game, Washington outrebounded the Pacers 17-9. Almost half of the Wizards points at the time (10 of 25) were second chance points.
It was just one quarter, but it was a reflection of the Pacers' issues so often this season. To the Pacers credit, they cleaned things up in this department as the game continued. The final rebounding margin: Pacers 45, Wizards 48.
T.J. McConnell debuted in front of Indianapolis fans
T.J. McConnell played his first two games of the season on the Pacers recent road trip. And while the game in Mexico City was a Pacers "home" game, he had not played in Indianapolis this season until Wednesday night.
McConnell heard a healthy number of cheers when he entered for the first time and made his mark instantly. In his first 33 seconds of action, McConnell drilled a mid-range jumper, grabbed a steal, and found Obi Toppin for an open three.
McConnell has been his typical self so far this season, but his hamstring has been limiting. The veteran guard hadn't played in a second half entering Wednesday's game – that changed against the Wizards. McConnell entered in the third quarter, reaching 10 minutes played soon after.
It's a welcome boost for the Pacers, who didn't need Braden Smith at all in this game. McConnell's final stat line in 13 minutes: Seven points and seven assists.
Kelly Oubre and Ivica Zubac were impactful early
Kelly Oubre started this game in Smith's place after a solid game in Dallas, and he followed it up with his best half of the season.
Oubre made seven shots in the opening two quarters, more than he had previously made in any entire game this season. He was slashing to the cup using his handle and created advantages with cutting. Basically, it was the Oubre that was advertised – and he did it well and often.
His defense was strong, too, as Oubre had four steals in the first half. And he wasn't the only starter who joined the team this year that put together a strong first half.
Ivica Zubac was also effective, and he added some power to the game after being frustrated with his touch around the basket in the middle of the second quarter.
Zubac had 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half, matching his force with footwork to score over Wizards bigs. His defense was solid, too.
It was the type of half the Pacers hoped to see more of from both Zubac and Oubre. They weren't as eye-popping in the second half, but both veterans put together solid outings.
The Pacers struggled in the third quarter
The Pacers built a 10-point edge in the third quarter and held a 69-59 lead with about half of the period remaining. Then, their worst stretch of the game arrived.
The Wizards went on a quick 9-0 run to get the scoreboard close. A few McConnell baskets kept the visitors away for a few miutes, but that didn't last long. A Trae Young triple gave Washington a 77-76 lead less than five minutes after they were down by double digits.
The Pacers scored just 22 points in the quarter, shooting 2/13 from long range. Their defense wasn't too bad to beging the second half, but Washington scored 21 points in the final 6:52 of the third quarter.
After the Pacers built a healthy edge, they were tied with the Wizards entering the fourth period.
A bold lineup changed the game
Rick Carlisle boldly went with a lineup of Andrew Nembhard, Oubre, Jalen Slawson, Pascal Siakam, and Larry Nance to open the fourth quarter – mostly bold in that Slawson and Nance had not appeared in the game until that point.
That five-man combo was terrific to start the frame. They scored the first 14 points of the fourth, giving the Pacers a huge cushion before winning time. It was a risky choice from Carlisle, but it paid off.
Aaron Nesmith left with a sore right knee
With 4:57 to go in the third quarter, Aaron Nesmith exited the game and never returned. The Pacers later announced that he had a sore right knee.
He finished with 21 minutes, scoring just two points on 1/6 shooting.
The Pacers finally won at home
That strong stretch to open the fourth quarter ended up guiding the Pacers through the fourth quarter, and they held on to beat the Wizards.
It was the Pacers first win at home this season, and their first victory in Gainbridge Fieldhouse since March 29, 2026.
The Pacers beat the Wizards 114-101 to improve to 4-8. Someone, they're in the final Play-In spot after this win.
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