Heat Cruise Past Pacers in Cup Opener
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double as Miami dominated the middle of the game to defeat the short-handed Indiana squad.
By Amit Chukwu ·
The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 145-125 on Friday night to secure their first victory in the NBA Cup tournament.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the offense with 31 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo contributed 27 points while shooting 11 of 14 from the floor. Klay Thompson posted a career-best performance with Miami, scoring 25 points and making seven three-pointers. The Heat outscored the visitors 67-46 during the second and third quarters.
Indiana played with a depleted roster of only 11 available players. Tyrese Haliburton missed the game with a hamstring strain, and Obi Toppin suffered a back injury before warmups. Acting coach Lloyd Pierce stepped in for Rick Carlisle, who was attending his father's funeral in Ogdensburg, New York. Quenton Jackson scored 24 points, and Andrew Nembhard added 22 for the Pacers, who started strong with 42 points in the first quarter before their scoring dropped to 46 over the next two periods.
Pelle Larsson finished with 18 points and Davion Mitchell recorded 15 points with 11 assists for Miami. Jarace Walker provided 14 points for Indiana, while Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff each scored 13.
The Pacers will host Brooklyn on Sunday. The Heat will travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Monday.
Source: WSVN
