Game recaps
Pacers rally in second half but fall 114-102 to Nuggets in Mexico City
Indiana fell 114-102 to Denver in Mexico City. A 37-point third quarter cut a 23-point halftime deficit, but the Pacers could not complete the comeback.
The Indiana Pacers lost 114-102 to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, November 7, at Arena Ciudad de México in the NBA Mexico City Game. Rick Carlisle's team endured a difficult first half before mounting a spirited response after the break, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome.
Indiana scored the game's first five points, yet Denver quickly took control and finished the opening quarter ahead 27-19. The Pacers struggled to find efficient offense, making just eight of their 27 field-goal attempts in the first period.
Indiana briefly found momentum in the second quarter behind a three-pointer from Andrew Nembhard and two from Larry Nance Jr., cutting the deficit to six. Denver responded with a 15-0 run, won the quarter 37-22 and carried a 64-41 lead into halftime.
The Pacers delivered their strongest stretch in the third quarter. Improved ball movement and perimeter shooting produced 37 points, including seven three-pointers on twelve attempts. Indiana won the period 37-26 and reduced the deficit to twelve, trailing 90-78 heading into the fourth.
The comeback ultimately fell short. Denver controlled the closing minutes and secured a 114-102 win. The Nuggets outrebounded Indiana 51-45 and made 16 of 19 free throws, compared with five makes on seven attempts for the Pacers. Denver also committed only three turnovers to Indiana's ten.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points and five assists. Larry Nance Jr. scored 15 points off the bench, all from five made three-pointers. Ivica Zubac posted ten points, twelve rebounds and five assists, while Obi Toppin added ten points and seven rebounds. Andrew Nembhard recorded nine points and eight assists.
Nikola Jokić led Denver's all-around effort with 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Cameron Johnson scored 18, while Jamal Murray contributed 16 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
Indiana finished with 30 assists and showed resilience after halftime, but its first-half struggles were decisive. The Mexico City appearance was a significant occasion for the franchise's Latin American fans, although the result was disappointing.
The Pacers return to regular-season action on Monday, November 9, when they visit the Dallas Mavericks.