Injury Woes Pile Up for Pacers as Suns Dominate in 133-98 Rout
The Indiana Pacers faced a nightmare scenario on Thursday night as they continued to spiral through what is shaping up to be a dismal season. With a record now standing at 1-11, the Pacers were overwhelmed by the Phoenix Suns, who cruised to a decisive 133-98 victory at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Booker’s Brilliance Shines Bright
Leading the charge for Phoenix was four-time All-Star guard Devin Booker, who put on a masterclass performance. Booker tallied 33 points, shooting an efficient 12-of-22 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. His offensive prowess was complemented by his playmaking, as he dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds, further asserting his dominance over the match.
Adding to the Suns’ offensive onslaught was Dillon Brooks, an All-Defensive Team wing, who contributed significantly with 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting. Brooks also excelled at the line, sinking all five of his free-throw attempts, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Phoenix roster.
Pacers’ Injury Crisis Deepens
While the Suns basked in their fifth straight win, the situation in Indiana only worsened. The Pacers were already grappling with a host of injuries, missing key players including two-time All-NBA Third Team point guard Tyrese Haliburton, power forward Obi Toppin, and rookie guard Kam Jones. Newly signed Cody Martin, brought in to help alleviate the team’s injury crisis, was also sidelined.
The night took a further turn for the worse when starting swingman Aaron Nesmith went down with a knee injury with 9:25 left in the third quarter. Nesmith, who was filling in at shooting guard for the injured Bennedict Mathurin, suffered the injury while attempting to help double-team Booker. He required assistance to leave the court, adding yet another player to the Pacers’ growing list of absentees.
A Season of Struggles
This crushing defeat marks the Pacers’ sixth consecutive loss, further emphasizing the challenges they face this season. As they continue to navigate through injuries and setbacks, the question remains: how will they regroup and find a way to compete in the grueling landscape of the NBA? The road ahead appears daunting, and the Pacers will need to draw on their resilience if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
