Indiana Pacers sloppy performance leads to loss against Portland Trail Blazers

The Indiana Pacers hosted the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. The Blazers had been struggling of late and were looking to bounce back from a Sunday night loss while the Pacers were looking for their third win in four games.

Early, both teams were scoring with ease. Indiana had 10 points about two minutes into the game, and Portland responded quickly. After less than four minutes, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle took a timeout with his team trailing 14-12.

Portland made their first three outside shots, which made their offense look fantastic early. Indiana was able to keep pace, though. With five minutes to go in the first quarter, the blue and gold led 24-21. Indiana’s star guard Tyrese Haliburton already had eight points.

A few minutes later, the Blazers surged back into the lead. Despite Haliburton being up to 12 points at that point, Portland held a 30-28 advantage. They were shooting 65% at that point — the Pacers had to defend better.

Both teams were better on the defensive end down the stretch of the first frame, but Indiana improved their fortunes by more than Portland. The home team didn’t allow a single point over the final 2:54 of the frame, and they were ahead 34-30 after 12 minutes. Haliburton’s 12 points led the way.

The second quarter opened with a mini run from the Blazers, who jumped ahead 39-36 after just a few moments. Indiana was struggling to score with their bench group.