Brissett made 8 of his 10 shots, including all six free throws. He also led Indiana with nine rebound.
Brissett stated that she is still learning and building. “I am grateful for the chance I have right now and want to take advantage of it. I try not to force anything, and just be my best.
Jalen Smith and Terry Taylor each scored 17 points to help the Pacers win their first ever title. Lance Stephenson was credited with 11 assists.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach, said that his players “jumped into the game.” “We did what was necessary, which is to execute and not be selfish. We did some positive things defensively and kept them below 100.”
Trail Blazers have lost ten of eleven, including four consecutively. Josh Hart was their leader with 26 points and he made 11 of 13 shots. Trendon Watford scored 17 ppg, Drew Eubanks had 12 ppg, and Kris Dunn (and Ben McLemore) each had 11.
Hart scored 14 points during the third quarter. Portland had a lead of 34-25 to reduce the deficit to 94-82. The Pacers managed to extend their lead in the fourth quarter with a 35-16 advantage.
In the first half, the Pacers led by 25 before taking a 69-48 lead at halftime.
The Trail Blazers had only one of their nine first shots and Indiana took a lead of 16-4.
Watford stated that “We started slow with turnovers, missed shots and a slow start.” “We were basically playing catch-up from there. We’d make a run, and then we’d look up to see that we were still down 17.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: JustiseWinslow was forced to withdraw due to soreness in his right Achilles tendon. Watford was able to score in double figures for the eighth consecutive game. Watford, a rookie at LSU, had eight rebounds as well as three assists.
Pacers: Coach Rick Carlisle stated that Malcolm Brogdon was able to rest after he played for the Pacers. Chris Duarte was unable to play his second consecutive game due to a sore left big foot. After signing a 10-day contract on Thursday, Anderson was able to take the bats with Brogdon and Duarte.
ROAD WOES
Trail Blazers played eight of nine of their last nine road games.
Hart stated, “I feel like a truck hit me.” Hart said, “It’s certainly rough with time zones. It’s also difficult with time changes.”
Hart stated that this shouldn’t be an excuse especially considering the number of young players on the team. Before returning home, the Trail Blazers will play in Detroit on Monday night.
HIGHLIGHT REEL
Near the end, Stephenson hit Brissett in the back with a pass. Brissett then went up for a reverse-dunk.
Carlisle stated, “It was amazing.” We have seen Lance perform similar types of plays before. With his look out into the crowd, he added a bit of mustard to it. It’s one the best and most selfless plays of the season and will be a highlight.
Brissett was fouled and made the free throw to make it complete
Brissett stated, “I got out of transition and you have to get the crowd involved in it.” “Lance did a great pass, and I had to do something to show it off.”
Stephenson claimed that he heard everyone yelling, but didn’t see Brissett’s dunk until watching the replay.
He said, “That was insane.”
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Detroit, Monday, to conclude a five-game road trip.
The Pacers will host Sacramento on Wednesday.
