The Indiana Pacers welcomed Domatas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings to Gainbridge Fieldhouse this evening. The two teams will be linked for the foreseeable future because of the Sabonis-Haliburton trade, which is benefiting both teams and will continue to do so as long as players stay healthy. It was nice to see Sabonis back in the arena, a crowd favorite and former Pacers All-Star. He continued to show why he is considered one of the best rebounders in the game. He just gets to the right position and is willing to do the work in the paint to get the basketball.
Side note… I do get a smile every time I think about how the Paul George trade to OKC continues to be the gift that keeps on giving! Alright, back to tonight’s game.
The Pacers seemed in control for much of the game. Sure, the Kings with their prolific offense went on some runs, but the Pacers managed to lead by 12 at halftime and 7 at the end of the 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter was, well, let’s save that for a more detailed conversation in a moment. All I can say is that it was a stressful end to a great effort by the Pacers who emerged with the 107-104 victory.
Let’s look at the good, the bad, and the Boom Baby play(er) of the game.