The Pacers dominated the second half to roll to their first win in Vegas.
After two close losses in their first two Summer League games, the Pacers left nothing to chance in their third game against the Summer Blazers by running out to an easy, 97-64 win on Thursday afternoon.
The Pacers continued their quality starts, taking an early 21-20 lead after the first quarter that expanded to a 44-37 lead at the break after a late bucket by Emmanuel Mudiay. Chris Duarte continued to deliver the most reliable production for the Pacers early, making a trio of three balls while also making his presence felt at the defensive end.
The third quarter would was all blue and gold as the Pacers put the game on ice, outscoring Portland, 27-7 with an impressive effort at both ends of the floor. The lead ballooned past 30 points for much of the remainder of the game as the veteran Blazers kindly rolled over.
Along with Mudiay, the Blazers rolled out Kenneth Faried and Michael Beasley and once the Pacers took control, the Blazers turned to the bench and let the vets sit. The Pacers continued to give Duarte plenty of run and the rook delivered with 19 points, 6 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks.
The rook also had four turnovers which was the main team-wide issue for the game with 19 total donations. Fortunately, the Blazers were more generous in that area.
Rookie big man, Isaiah Jackson logged 19 minutes and added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks while on the court. Cassius Stanley filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals while making 2 of 5 from three land.
Keifer Sykes was given a starting opportunity and delivered 9 points in 21 minutes. Duane Washington Jr. came off the bench and caught fire in the second half, finishing with 13 points which included 3 of 6 three balls.
The Pacers will be off on Friday before playing again on Saturday against the Thunder at 6 p.m. ET.
Please share your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.
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