PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers secured a 118-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, overshadowing Pascal Siakam’s debut with his new team. Jerami Grant led the way with a stellar 37-point performance, while Malcolm Brogdon contributed a season-high 30 points for Portland, which led by as many as 13 points during the game.
Siakam, recently traded from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his first game for the Pacers. Myles Turner had an impressive night with 29 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton, returning from a hamstring injury, added 21 points and 17 assists to the Pacers’ efforts.
The game remained close in the final quarter, with Haliburton’s play pulling Indiana within striking distance. Turner’s late three-pointers kept the Pacers in contention, but Portland managed to hold off their opponents. Grant’s crucial free throw and Haliburton’s missed three-pointer in the final moments sealed the Blazers’ win.
Siakam’s arrival in Indiana is a significant addition to the team, playing alongside Haliburton. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed excitement about Siakam’s potential impact. Indiana, leading the league in scoring, faced a Blazers team ranked last in points per game.
Portland was without Anfernee Simons, battling an illness, while Deandre Ayton returned to the starting lineup after missing 11 games. The Blazers’ victory was also marked by dominance in points in the paint during the first half.
The game saw a setback for Portland rookie Scoot Henderson, who suffered a nasal contusion and did not return after a first-half incident.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will conclude their six-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns, while the Trail Blazers will visit the Los Angeles Lakers. This win for Portland demonstrates their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially against high-scoring teams like Indiana.
