At the end of the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 52-41.
The Pacers and Thunder started the game trading baskets, with OKC center Steven Adams scoring an early eight points against the Pacers' defense. Following a made 3-pointer from Jeff Teague to knot the score up at 11, the Thunder scored six unanswered points, all of which were either scored on or assisted by Russell Westbrook.
While Pacers forward Paul George drilled his first shot of the game — a 3-pointer — he suffered a cold streak, missing his next four shots from the field and picking up two fouls, sending him to the bench earlier than usual. Even when he checked back in, George was unable to break out of the funk, finishing the half 1-of-8 from the field.
Soon after George took a seat, Westbrook did as well, picking up his second foul while taking out Teague's legs diving for a steal.
With both stars out of the game, Indiana rallied to an 18-17 lead thanks to a spinning post move from Al Jefferson.
From there, however, the Thunder's second unit closed the opening quarter strong, outscoring the Pacers 8-2 in the aftermath of Indiana's brief lead. At the end of the first quarter, the Thunder led 25-20.
In the second quarter, despite Rodney Stuckey scoring the opening bucket, the Thunder began to build on its lead. Following a made basket by Kevin Seraphin, the Thunder took off on a 10-0 run creating a 41-29 lead for the visitors.
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Although George was able to break Oklahoma City's momentum with a pair of free throws in the closing minutes of the half, it wasn't enough to overcome the Pacers' shooting woes. In the first half, Indiana made just 14-of-46 shots from the field (29 percent). The slump in accuracy allowed OKC to create separation, taking an 11-point lead into the locker room.
The Pacers were led in scoring by Glenn Robinson III, who provided nine points off of the bench in the first half. Perhaps most importantly, Robinson hit a 3-pointer to give Indiana the final points of the opening half, bringing the Pacers to striking distance in the closing moments.
Adams led the Thunder in scoring, racking up 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host) Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host) Please Note: Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070. Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
Shadow Hooded Fleece – $25. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The special is also available online at PacersGear.com until midnight.
