Heat dismantle short-handed Pacers 145-125 in NBA Cup opener

The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 145-125 on Friday night to open NBA Cup play. The victory gave Miami its second consecutive win of the season. The Pacers entered the game with a thin roster and a difficult road ahead in the group stage.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Heat with 31 points. He also recorded 18 rebounds and 10 assists in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo contributed 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Klay Thompson added 25 points and seven three-pointers. Pelle Larsson scored 18 points and Davion Mitchell provided 15 points and 11 assists.

The Heat controlled the middle of the game. Miami outscored Indiana 67-46 during the second and third quarters. The Pacers scored 42 points in the first quarter but managed only 46 points in the next two periods combined.

Indiana played with just 11 available players. Tyrese Haliburton missed the game with a hamstring strain that could sideline him for at least two weeks. Obi Toppin exited before Friday morning shootaround with a back injury. Acting coach Lloyd Pierce filled in for Rick Carlisle, who attended his father's funeral in Ogdensburg, New York.

Quenton Jackson scored 24 points for the Pacers. Andrew Nembhard had 22 points. Jarace Walker added 14 points, while Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff each scored 13. The loss puts the Pacers in a challenging position for the knockout round, as teams reaching that stage typically finish the opening round with a 4-0 or 3-1 record.

The Pacers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The Heat will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.