Pacers score historic 162 points, defeat Wizards in record game
- Indiana Pacers defeated the Washington Wizards 162-109, breaking their franchise record for points in a game.
- The Pacers' impressive performance featured contributions from nine players in double figures and a franchise record of 27 three-pointers.
- This victory placed Indiana firmly in the playoff race, underscoring their determination to secure home-court advantage.
On March 27, 2025, the Indiana Pacers faced off against the Washington Wizards in a remarkable NBA game held in Washington, D.C. The Pacers, looking to bounce back after a close loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, came out strong, leading 83-61 at halftime. Their impressive performance allowed them to accumulate a staggering total of 162 points, breaking their previous franchise record of 157 points, which had been set the previous season. This victory not only reflected the team's offensive prowess but also highlighted the Wizards' defensive struggles, resulting in the most points ever allowed by Washington in franchise history. The Pacers exhibited a collective team effort, with nine players scoring in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 29 points, while Myles Turner contributed 17 points. Indiana’s shooting was particularly remarkable, achieving 64% from the field overall and knocking down 27 three-pointers, setting another franchise record. The game's high-paced offensive display culminated in a total of 48 assists on 59 made field goals, showcasing the unselfish play style emphasized by head coach Rick Carlisle. Despite Indiana's dominance, they seemed to pull back towards the end of the game, taking shot clock violations with over a minute left on the clock, which drew discontent from the crowd. The discrepancy between the teams' performances was notable, with the Pacers capitalizing on their chances and the Wizards struggling to mount an effective response. Rookie Alex Sarr led Washington with 22 points, but the team faced considerable challenges defending against the free-flowing Pacers' offense. The game was indicative of a larger narrative, as the Pacers are currently embroiled in a tight race for the home-court advantage in the playoffs, reaffirming their goal of maintaining the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. With this win, Indiana has shown that they can bounce back from setbacks and dominate inferior teams like the Wizards. Following the game, both teams looked ahead to their next matchups, with Indiana set to face off against NBA leaders the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Washington prepared to host the Brooklyn Nets. The Pacers will aim to harness the momentum from this explosive performance into the remainder of the season, seeking to solidify their playoff position.