Looking to bounce back after a blowout loss last Thursday in London, the Pacers led the New Orleans Pelicans at halftime on Monday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 54-52.
The Pacers were rolling prior to their trip to London, riding high off a season-high five-game winning streak before suffering a 28-point loss to the Nuggets. Head coach Nate McMillan said before Monday's contest he was hopeful his squad could quickly rediscover the formula that led to their extended success earlier this month.
With Jeff Teague running the show, the Pacers got off to a fast start on Monday afternoon. Indiana outscored the Pelicans 32-18 in the opening frame.
Teague was key to the Blue & Gold's early success, scoring the Pacers' first two baskets before turning his attention to setting up his teammates. The former Pike High School star wound up scoring or assisting on 11 of Indiana's 14 field goals in the first quarter, tallying with six points and six assists.
Teague threw a pair of alley oops, one to Thaddeus Young and another to Myles Turner. Glenn Robinson III also got in on the giving spirit, throwing a lob to Paul George, and the Pacers rolled into the second quarter with a comfortable lead.
Indiana continued to cruise at the start of the second quarter, which featured arguably the highlight of the year.
Young executed a give-and-go with Monta Ellis, head-faked his way past Donatas Motiejunas in the paint, then rose up through contact from Terrence Jones and threw down a monstrous, left-handed dunk that nearly caused the entire Pacers bench to rush the floor in celebration.
Young converted the ensuing free throw, then converted layups on the next two possessions to give Indiana a 45-30 lead with 7:15 left in the half. But the Pelicans responded, reeling off a 16-2 run to cut their deficit to just one.
That would be the closest New Orleans would get before halftime, but that rally did change the complexion of the game heading into the break.
Young led the Pacers with 13 points and four steals in the first half. Teague added 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting, five rebounds, and seven assists, though he also committed five turnovers.
All-Star forward Anthony Davis led New Orleans with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Langston Galloway added nine points off the bench for the Pelicans.
After a three-game Western Conference road trip, the Pacers will return home to host the New York Knicks on Monday, Jan. 23 at 8:00 PM ET. Find Tickets » 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
Above All 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.
