For the second straight game, the Indiana Pacers went to overtime after an inconsistent performance.
This go-around, however, they managed to come out on top, thanks to a 7-7 shooting performance from deep in the fourth quarter and OT. Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis combined for 11 of the 13 Pacers’ points in the extra period.
Nate Bjorkgren went with a small lineup to close, with Aaron Holiday and Jeremy Lamb getting heavy minutes down the stretch. That group helped Indiana rally late in the fourth and then seal the result in OT.
The Indiana Pacers fought back to get a much-needed win.
Despite being down five twice within the final two minutes of regulation, Indiana managed to battle back with a dunk from Brogdon and a crucial Lamb three. Sabonis then tied it at 121 with two free throws.
fly guy clutch 🥶 pic.twitter.com/oLiQItItsq
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 18, 2021
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards missed a potential game-winner at the end of regulation that would have given the Pacers their second-straight loss.
After falling into an 88-98 hole early in the fourth, the Pacers went on a 14-2 scoring run to take a 102-100 lead, which marked their first lead in the second half. After porous defense for much of the game, Indiana’s defense was a big part of closing the gap.
The Timberwolves scored 88 points in 30 minutes.
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) February 18, 2021
Then have been held to 15 points in the next 12.
Just a remarkable turn in this one.
Pacers 107 Timberwolves 102 4:06 left
The third quarter was a drastic shift from the high-flying first half. Neither the Pacers nor the Timberwolves eclipsed the 20-point mark, after a first-half that saw neither team score less than 30 in a quarter.
Minnesota had a four-point cushion at the half after scoring 73 points. Their speed and ball movement gave Indiana’s defense fits for much of the two opening periods. Karl Anthony-Towns had a strong performance as he continues to ramp-up after dealing with COVID-19 earlier this year. Malik Beasley poured in 31 to go with Towns’ 30 and veteran guard Ricky Rubio had a double-double with 20 points and 13 assists.
Every Pacers’ starter besides Doug McDermott played at least 30 minutes in the game as Indiana continues to miss the absences of Caris Levert and T.J. Warren. Nate Bjorkgren stuck with an eight-man rotation and went with T.J. McConnell, A. Holiday, and Lamb off the bench.