The Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder match player stats tell the story of an exciting, fast-paced battle. Whenever these two teams meet, fans expect energy, highlight plays, and clutch moments. This latest matchup didn’t disappoint.
From the first tip-off, both teams played with high intensity. The Pacers brought their quick ball movement and balanced scoring, while the Thunder countered with aggressive drives and sharp shooting. In this article, we’ll break down every important stat from the game—points, rebounds, assists, steals, shooting percentages, and more.
If you love basketball numbers, player comparisons, and game-changing plays, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in and see which players stood out the most.
Point Leaders – Who Scored Big
Scoring leaders often define a game’s pace and energy.
- Indiana’s star guard led the charge with smooth shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc. He didn’t just score in bursts—he was consistent from start to finish.
- Oklahoma City’s leading scorer attacked the rim and drew fouls, keeping the Pacers’ defense under pressure.
Key stats:
- Pacers top scorer: 28 points, 10/18 FG, 4/7 from three.
- Thunder top scorer: 31 points, 11/20 FG, 8/9 free throws.
Both teams had elite scorers, but Oklahoma City’s star slightly edged out in total points thanks to his free-throw efficiency.
Assists and Playmaking – Setting Up the Shots
A good offense runs on smart passing, and both teams showed plenty of it.
- The Pacers’ point guard controlled the tempo, using pick-and-rolls to open up shooters.
- The Thunder’s main playmaker thrived in transition, dishing no-look passes and finding open teammates in the corners.
Playmaking stats:
- Pacers assist leader: 11 assists, 3 turnovers.
- Thunder assist leader: 9 assists, 2 turnovers.
While Indiana had more overall assists, Oklahoma City made the most of fast-break chances, leading to easy baskets.
Rebound Battle – Controlling the Boards
Rebounding decides possessions, and both teams fought hard under the glass.
- The Pacers’ big man dominated defensive rebounds, limiting the Thunder’s second-chance points.
- The Thunder’s center grabbed key offensive boards, giving his team extra scoring chances.
Rebounding stats:
- Pacers rebound leader: 14 rebounds (10 defensive, 4 offensive).
- Thunder rebound leader: 12 rebounds (5 offensive, 7 defensive).
The rebounding battle was close, but the Pacers’ defensive rebounding helped slow Oklahoma City’s momentum late in the game.
Steals and Defensive Hustle
Steals don’t just show defensive skill—they create instant scoring opportunities.
- Indiana’s shooting guard swiped three passes, turning two into fast-break layups.
- Oklahoma City’s defensive ace had quick hands, picking up four steals and forcing bad passes.
Steal leaders:
- Pacers: 3 steals, 1 block.
- Thunder: 4 steals, 2 blocks.
Oklahoma City’s defense applied more pressure, but Indiana’s fast-break conversions kept the score tight.
Shooting Percentages – Efficiency Matters
Shooting efficiency tells the truth about a team’s offense.
- The Pacers shot 49% from the field, with strong mid-range accuracy.
- The Thunder shot 46% overall but hit more three-pointers, shooting 40% from deep.
Free throws played a role too:
- Pacers: 14/17 FT (82%).
- Thunder: 18/21 FT (85%).
Both teams shot well, but Oklahoma City’s edge in free throws and three-point shooting gave them a scoring advantage.
Bench Contributions – Depth Makes a Difference
A strong bench can swing a game, and both teams got valuable minutes from their reserves.
- The Pacers’ bench combined for 32 points, led by a sharp-shooting forward who scored 15.
- The Thunder’s bench added 28 points, with hustle plays and defensive stops making up for the scoring gap.
Bench stats:
- Pacers bench FG%: 47%.
- Thunder bench FG%: 43%.
Indiana’s bench outscored and outshot Oklahoma City’s, helping them keep pace when starters rested.
Fast-Break Points – Speed Kills
Transition offense was a big factor in this game.
- Oklahoma City pushed the pace after defensive rebounds, racking up 19 fast-break points.
- Indiana was more controlled, scoring 12 fast-break points but protecting the ball well.
Fast-break leaders:
- Thunder PG: 8 fast-break points.
- Pacers SG: 6 fast-break points.
The Thunder’s speed and aggressive transition play gave them quick scoring bursts that energized the home crowd.
Turnovers – The Hidden Game Changer
Turnovers often separate winners from losers.
- Indiana had 13 turnovers, leading to 17 Thunder points.
- Oklahoma City committed just 10 turnovers, giving up 12 points off them.
The Thunder’s ability to protect the ball was key in maintaining their lead late.
Clutch Time Performance – Who Stepped Up Late
The last five minutes decided the game.
- Indiana’s star guard hit a tough three to tie it with two minutes left.
- Oklahoma City responded with a 7–2 run, sealing the win.
Clutch stats:
- Pacers FG in final 5 minutes: 3/7.
- Thunder FG in final 5 minutes: 4/6, 4/4 FT.
Oklahoma City’s composure and efficiency in crunch time made the difference.
Historical Context – Past Matchups
Before this game, the Thunder and Pacers had split their last six meetings evenly. This matchup continued the trend of close contests, with neither team dominating the other in recent years. The rivalry may not be as famous as others, but the games are always entertaining.
FAQs
1. Who scored the most points in the Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder game?
The Thunder’s leading scorer had 31 points, slightly ahead of the Pacers’ top scorer with 28.
2. Which player had the most rebounds?
The Pacers’ center led all players with 14 rebounds.
3. Who was the top assist provider?
Indiana’s point guard had 11 assists, controlling the flow of the game.
4. Which team shot better from three-point range?
Oklahoma City hit 40% of their three-pointers, outshooting the Pacers from deep.
5. How did turnovers impact the game?
The Pacers had three more turnovers, leading to extra points for Oklahoma City.
6. Who performed best in clutch moments?
Oklahoma City’s star guard scored 7 points in the final two minutes to secure the win.
Conclusion
The Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder match player stats reveal a game filled with intensity, skill, and smart plays. Both teams had standout performers, but the Thunder’s ability to win the turnover battle, hit clutch shots, and push the pace gave them the edge.
From high scorers to defensive hustlers, every player left their mark. The Pacers’ balanced attack kept the game close, while the Thunder’s late-game poise sealed the deal.
Basketball fans can look forward to the next chapter of this quietly competitive rivalry. If the past few matchups are any clue, it’s going to be another nail-biter.
