NBA Cup: Antetokounmpo's 31-18-10 Line Powers Heat Past Pacers
Miami's opening win came against a short-handed Indiana squad that was missing its star guard and coach for a family funeral.
By Austin Reed ·
The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 145-125 on Friday night to open their campaign in the fourth year of the NBA Cup tournament. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with a performance that included his second triple-double of the season.
Antetokounmpo recorded 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in 31 minutes of play. Bam Adebayo contributed 27 points for Miami, shooting 11 of 14 from the floor. The Heat controlled the middle of the game, outscoring Indiana 67-46 during the second and third quarters.
Klay Thompson provided a spark from beyond the arc with 25 points and seven three-pointers. This performance marks his best game since joining the Miami roster. He now stands within 55 made three-pointers of tying Ray Allen for the third-most in NBA history.
Quenton Jackson scored 24 points for the Pacers, while Andrew Nembhard added 22. Jarace Walker chipped in 14 points, and both Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff recorded 13 points each. Indiana started strong with 42 points in the first quarter but managed only 46 points over the next two periods.
The Pacers played with just 11 available players. Tyrese Haliburton is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain. Obi Toppin left before Friday morning practice with a back injury, according to acting coach Lloyd Pierce. Pierce stepped in for Rick Carlisle, who was in Ogdensburg, New York, for his father's funeral.
Pelle Larsson scored 18 points and Davion Mitchell finished with 15 points and 11 assists for Miami. The Heat have now won two consecutive games. Every team that has advanced to the knockout round in this tournament has started with a record of either 4-0 or 3-1.
The Pacers host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The Heat travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
