Pacers Dominate Pelicans in Summer League Showdown

The Indiana Pacers opened their NBA Summer League campaign with an emphatic 91-73 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on July 19, 2026, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. The Pacers controlled the tempo from the opening tip, showcasing a balanced offense and stifling defense that left the Pelicans struggling to find any rhythm throughout the contest.

Match Overview

Indiana’s energy was evident early, as they jumped out to a 28-18 lead after the first quarter. The Pacers’ athleticism and ball movement created open looks, while their defensive rotations forced the Pelicans into difficult shots. By halftime, the lead had stretched to 50-36, and the Pacers never looked back. New Orleans attempted a third-quarter push, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions, but Indiana responded each time with timely baskets and defensive stops. The final quarter saw the Pacers close the game with a 25-17 run, sealing a convincing 18-point win.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

• First-quarter surge: Indiana shot 60% from the field in the opening period, with five different players scoring. This early burst set the tone for the rest of the game.
• Second-quarter defensive stand: The Pacers held the Pelicans to just 18 points in the second quarter, forcing six turnovers and contesting every perimeter shot.
• Third-quarter response: When New Orleans scored eight unanswered points to trim the lead to 60-52 with five minutes left in the third, Indiana head coach Jannero Pargo called a timeout. Coming out of the break, the Pacers went on a 12-4 run, restoring order and regaining control.
• Dominant rebounding: The Pacers outrebounded the Pelicans 48-34, including 15 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points.

Standout Performers

For the Pacers, rookie guard Jared McCain led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding six assists and four rebounds. His ability to create off the dribble and finish in traffic was a constant headache for the Pelicans’ defense. Forward Jarace Walker contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, showing his versatility as both a rim protector and a floor spacer. Second-year center Oscar Tshiebwe added 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, continuing his reputation as a relentless inside presence.

On the Pelicans’ side, guard Jordan Hawkins was the bright spot, scoring 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting. However, he received little support as New Orleans shot just 38% from the field and 27% from three-point range. Rookie forward Yves Missi finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds but struggled with foul trouble throughout the first half.

Impact on Summer League Standings

The victory moves the Pacers to 1-0 in the NBA Summer League Las Vegas bracket, placing them in a strong position for playoff seeding. The Pelicans drop to 0-1 and will need to regroup quickly when they face the Sacramento Kings in their next game. For Indiana, the performance offers early optimism about their depth and system, especially from their young core looking to earn roster spots for the upcoming regular season.

Both teams return to action on July 21, with the Pacers taking on the Houston Rockets and the Pelicans battling the Kings. Summer League games are broadcast live on ESPN and NBA TV, with highlights streaming on the NBA app.