NBA Paris Games: Pacers Bounce Back with Resounding Win Over Spurs

The Indiana Pacers avenged their previous loss with a 136-98 thrashing of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Paris Games.

The Indiana Pacers exacted revenge on the San Antonio Spurs and their French superstar Victor Wembanyama, dominating them at the Accor Arena in Paris. After being thoroughly outplayed on Thursday, the Pacers bounced back with a convincing win, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton's explosive third-quarter performance.

The second and final game of the NBA Paris Games took place at the Accor Arena, with fans hoping for a more competitive encounter after the Spurs' one-sided victory on Thursday. As expected, Victor Wembanyama was the main attraction, drawing a significant amount of attention from the crowd. However, the Pacers were determined to make amends for their previous loss and came out with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Pacers' aggressive approach paid dividends, with Andrew Nembhard leading the charge by repeatedly attacking the basket. This enabled Indiana to establish an early lead, which they would maintain throughout the game. Although Wembanyama and the Spurs responded with a strong effort, they were ultimately unable to overcome the Pacers' momentum. Wembanyama, in particular, was not at his best, failing to replicate the form that has made him a sensation in the NBA.

Harrison Barnes made a strong statement for the San Antonio Spurs, scoring an impressive 11 points in the first quarter. However, his efforts were not enough to contain the Indiana Pacers, who took a significant lead after the first 12 minutes. The game seemed poised to be a closely contested affair, but the Spurs' defensive struggles allowed the Pacers to maintain their advantage.

The Spurs' woes continued until Victor Wembanyama sparked a resurgence with five consecutive points. The French sensation was more assertive in the second quarter, but the Pacers' three-point shooting kept them ahead. Despite Wembanyama's efforts, the Spurs trailed 50-65 at halftime. In the second half, the Spurs attempted to mount a comeback by attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Stephon Castle made crucial baskets near the rim, but the Pacers maintained a comfortable lead.

season-high 136 points in the win 💪

drop your mood after that 38-point dub ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dEiRsifcba

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 25, 2025

Chris Paul's influence helped the Spurs gain consistency and chip away at the deficit. Wembanyama's basket eventually put the Spurs ahead, but the Pacers responded strongly at the end of the third quarter, led by Tyrese Haliburton. The all-star point guard unleashed a series of stunning three-pointers, scoring 16 consecutive points to restore the Pacers' lead and effectively seal the game. The start of the final quarter was critical, but the Pacers held firm, making a significant defensive effort to secure the win.

By the time the Pacers' lead reached 20 points, the outcome was all but certain. The Spurs had squandered their opportunity in the third quarter, and the game ended in a convincing 98-136 victory for the Pacers, with Haliburton delivering a standout performance. The win was a satisfying conclusion to the NBA Paris Games, which saw both teams emerge victorious. The fans, in particular, were thrilled, although they will have to wait until further notice for the NBA's return to France. The Wembanyama effect was evident throughout the event, but the French prodigy was somewhat off his game in this encounter.