Indiana Pacers: 2 studs, 1 dud from gutsy win over the Sacramento Kings

Defense was the narrative for the Indiana Pacers as they escaped in Sacramento for a gutsy win to improve their record to 4-7. Fresh off a disappointing collapse the other night against the Trail Blazers, the Blue and Gold managed to keep an offensively dangerous Kings squad in check, holding them to a season-low 91 points.

The Indiana Pacers suffocated the Sacramento Kings on defense for their fourth win of the season
While the Pacers remained without Malcolm Brogdon, they compensated for their lousy offensive game by turning in one of their best defensive performances of the season. Though Indiana only shot 44.6 percent from the floor, including a measly 24 percent from behind the arc, and committed 19 turnovers, they limited Sacramento to 36.9 percent shooting overall.

Indiana controlled the game most of the way, but the fourth quarter was neck-to-neck, with the Kings briefly taking the lead before the Pacers mounted a 10-0 run of their own to lead 85-78. Sacramento fought back to make it a two-point contest, but they failed to convert on a sneaky Tyrese Haliburton triple in the final seconds.

Caris LeVert paced Indiana with 22 points, while TJ McConnell and Domantas Sabonis combined for 35 markers. On the other hand, Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 22 points. With their loss, Sacramento dropped to 5-5 on the season.

Coming up next for the Indiana Pacers will be a tough road game against the Denver Nuggets and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic at the ever-so-tough Ball Arena, but before that, here are two studs and one dud from their win over the Sacramento Kings.