On Sunday night, the Indiana Pacers managed to erase an over-20-point lead behind a monstrous performance from seeming breakout player Jalen Slawson. Slawson had 26 points and multiple highlight-worthy defensive plays that continue to put him front and center of this summer league squad.
However, the night did not end in storybook fashion, as after evening things up at 93 apiece and forcing overtime, the Pacers failed to score a single point in that extra period, and the Philadelphia 76ers ended up winning 100-93.
For the Sixers, it was rookie guard Labaron Philon at the center of everything. He had 24 points, six assists, and a steal. Johni Broome, who once had the worst combine performance ever, added 23 of his own points. Now at 2-0, there's a decent chance they will challenge for the Vegas Summer League title.
But this is a Pacers blog, not a Sixers one, so let's get into the standout parts of Sunday's game.
The Jalen Slawson Show
As mentioned above, Slawson continues to be immense. While he won't see these creation opportunities on a team with Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and the returning Tyrese Haliburton, the defensive work rate that the third-year guard is showing is commendable and could be the swing factor in becoming a rotation-level player.
While most of his career has been spent bouncing around the G-League on two-way contracts, Slawson showed some signs last year across 13 appearances.
These types of gap-year players rarely transition to being pieces on title-winning teams (remember Eric Paschall?), but there's nothing to say he can't buck that trend.
Additionally, Jalen has been getting to the line at a great rate, considering the new G-League free-throw rule the NBA is trying out in the summer league.
Adding another difference maker to the rotation that missed out on key depth when they lost their protected first-round pick to the LA Clippers this summer, and maybe Slawson can end up being that guy.
Or, maybe it could be one of the other guys.
The depth is on display
This Pacers summer league team is more than just one player, despite how the stat sheet may look.
Braden Smith, who seems to be the leader in the clubhouse for the third-string guard spot, is shooting efficiently while also showcasing some playmaking ability that let Indiana move off Kam Jones.
Rienk Mast once again led the team in rebounds and nearly had the second double-double of his time in Vegas. On a roster that is lacking forward and center depth behind Ivica Zubac and Siakam, he could be the steal of the undrafted free-agent class.
Even beyond those two younger guys, there has to be some consideration for Yuki Kawamura, the Japanese legend who everyone seems to fall in love with seconds after meeting.
Ultimately, wins and losses don't matter to the Pacers in Vegas. Development should be the priority, and Indiana has been seeing great returns from the pivotal guys on their summer league team.
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