Pacers Shine in Summer League Finale with Win Over Pelicans

Pacers Conclude Summer League with Victory

The Indiana Pacers capped off their summer league schedule in style with a convincing 91-73 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas on Saturday night. This win brought the Pacers' summer league record to 2-3, providing a fitting end to their campaign.

Strong Start for Indiana

From the outset, the Pacers showcased their shooting prowess, racing to an early 19-6 lead fueled by a flurry of three-point shots. Connecting on four of their first five attempts from beyond the arc, the team seemed set to run away with the game. However, the Pelicans responded with a surge of their own, taking a brief lead late in the second quarter.

Despite this setback, the Pacers regained control, heading into halftime with a narrow 41-39 advantage. The resilience shown by the team exemplified their determination to finish the summer league on a positive note.

Dominance in the Second Half

The second half mirrored the start of the game, as Braden Smith’s two assists and a three-pointer pushed Indiana's lead to ten points. By the end of the third quarter, the Pacers had established a significant 19-point cushion, never looking back as they cruised to victory.

Jalen Slawson: The Star of the Night

Leading the charge for Indiana was Jalen Slawson, who delivered another outstanding performance, scoring 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Throughout the summer league, Slawson averaged over 20 points per game and consistently displayed his defensive capabilities, averaging more than three blocks per contest. His contributions have made him a standout player this summer.

Team Effort and Statistics

The strength of the Pacers wasn’t just in individual accolades; they demonstrated exceptional teamwork with 28 assists against the Pelicans' 14. Yuki Kawamura orchestrated much of this playmaking, finishing with 12 assists, while Taelon Peter and Keba Keita each chipped in 14 points. Reink Mast added 12 points and six rebounds, contributing to a well-rounded team effort.

Post-game, Kawamura praised his teammates, saying, "Every teammate made shots for me. I appreciate that. I'm so proud of my teammates and so happy we won the game. I learned a lot in the summer league."

Defensively, the Pacers also made their mark, limiting the Pelicans to just 36% shooting from the field, showcasing their best defensive performance of the summer.

Looking Ahead

With the summer league now behind them, the Pacers will take this momentum into the upcoming NBA season, with excitement brewing among players and fans alike as they prepare for the official start in October. The optimism surrounding the team is palpable as they look to build on their summer success and translate it into regular season victories.