Pacers Put Up Historic Offensive Numbers In Dismantling Tanking Thunder

INDIANAPOLIS – How easy would life be if the Pacers could play the Thunder every night?

The Pacers (30-33) had one of their most historic nights in franchise history on Saturday, dismantling the tanking Thunder, 152-95.

Record-breaking performances were galore for the Pacers.

-They scored the most points in franchise history (152).

-They hit the most three-pointers in franchise history (21).

-And they handed the Thunder (21-43) the worst home loss for any team in NBA history (57 points).

With Domantas Sabonis back in the lineup, the Pacers All-Star wasted no time impacting the game. Sabonis had a triple-double before halftime, and finished the game with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists.

Doug McDermott led Indiana with 31 points, with Caris LeVert scoring 25 points.

Despite playing without Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana shot 65 percent from the floor and 63 percent from behind the arc.

They had an astonishing 41 assists on their 57 made field goals.

The Pacers scored at least 40 points in each of the first three quarters, leading by as many as 67 points before the Thunder finished the game on a 13-3 run.

Edmond Sumner did leave Saturday’s win with a bruised left knee.

Indiana will play 4 games this week all against teams in the playoff race.

Three Things Learned

1. One For The Ages: Yes, the Thunder are horrific and full-on tanking. But it’s beyond incredible to see the offensive numbers Indiana put up on Monday, particularly without Malcolm Brogdon (right hamstring). The Pacers scored their most points in franchise history (152), the most three-pointers in franchise history (21), the most assists in franchise history (41) and handing the largest home loss in NBA history (57 points). This is offensive flow and rhythm that you don’t see in the NBA. No matter what happens the rest of this season, we will always remember this night in Oklahoma City.

2. Welcome Back Domas: Slowly, but surely, the health of the Indiana frontcourt is improving. The Pacers welcomed back Domantas Sabonis on Saturday night and the All-Star delivered big time. Sabonis had a triple-double by halftime, and finished the game with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists. After more than a week of having JaKarr Sampson and Oshae Brissett in the lineup, the Pacers finally returned to some normalcy up front. Even with Sabonis back though, Indiana is still playing without Myles Turner (toe), Goga Bitadze (ankle) and now Sampson (concussion).

3. Massive Week Here: With just 9 games to go in the regular season, every game is critical for the Pacers. But this week takes on an even bigger onus with two meetings against Washington coming. The Pacers are currently 1.5 games up on the Wizards in the standings, but need to win both games this week in order to win the season series over them. Currently, the Pacers and Wizards would meet in a play-in game with the loser’s season being over. Facing a healthy Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook would not be an ideal matchup for the Pacers. As long as Indiana can hold serve around .500 this week, they should continue to be in position for a play-in game.

Pacers Upcoming Schedule

-@Wizards (Monday, 5/3, at 7:00 PM)

-Kings (Wednesday, 5/5, at 8:00 PM)

-Hawks (Thursday, 5/6 at 8:00 PM)

-Wizards (Saturday, 5/8 at 7:00 PM)

-@Cavaliers (Monday, 5/10 at 7:30 PM)

Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

1. Nets (43-21, .672)

2. 76ers (42-21, .667)

3. Bucks (39-24, .619)

4. Knicks (35-28, .556)

5. Hawks (35-30, .538)