Heat dismantle short-handed Pacers in NBA Cup opener

The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 145-125 on Friday night, securing a win in their opening game of the NBA Cup. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Miami with 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in 31 minutes. This marked his second triple-double of the season. Bam Adebayo added 27 points, shooting 11 of 14 from the field.

The Heat dominated the middle of the game, outscoring the Pacers 67-46 in the second and third quarters. Klay Thompson contributed 25 points, including seven 3-pointers, in what he described as his best game since joining the team. Pelle Larsson scored 18 points, while Davion Mitchell recorded 15 points and 11 assists. The victory extends Miami's winning streak to two games.

Indiana struggled to sustain its early momentum. The Pacers scored 42 points in the first quarter but managed only 46 in the next two combined. Quenton Jackson led the Pacers with 24 points, and Andrew Nembhard added 22. Jarace Walker contributed 14 points, while Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff each scored 13. Indiana played with a limited roster of only 11 available players.

Injuries and personal matters thinned the Pacers' lineup. Tyrese Haliburton is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain. Obi Toppin left before Friday morning shootaround with a back injury, according to acting coach Lloyd Pierce. Pierce stepped in for head coach Rick Carlisle, who was in Ogdensburg, New York, attending his father's funeral.

The loss puts the Pacers in a difficult position in the NBA Cup group stage. Teams that have advanced to the knockout round in previous years finished the opening round either 4-0 or 3-1. The event is in its fourth year, and teams play four group-stage games.

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