Pacers close up roadie in Phoenix after poor showing against Jazz
The Pacers hope to stop the Suns a couple of times which they struggled to do against the Jazz.
Another game and another issue rose up to send the Pacers to a 152-128 loss against the Jazz on Tuesday.
Just seeing the Jazz with 152 points indicates the thorough defensive breakdowns the Pacers had which combined with a hot shooting night by the home team to turn the game into a route. The Jazz did an outstanding job of spreading the floor and moving the ball to keep the Pacers chasing from behind defensively, leaving many good looks for the Jazz that they knocked down at a high rate, including 19 of 42 (45.2%) from behind the arc.
Lauri Markkanen in particular, flashed his quick release from deep, making 5 of 7 3-balls, although it seemed like he made 10. But his 35 points on 13 of 19 shooting overall lead the way as the Jazz had the inside/outside game rolling in efficient manner with 60 points in the paint to go along with the 57 points from deep.
At Golden State, the Pacers had a strong five minutes in the third quarter that gave a brief glimmer of hope for a potential win. Against the Jazz, the Pacers ripped through that impressive five minute stretch right at the tip. The Pacers took a 10-0 lead in the first two minutes and then pushed it to 20-10 at the 7:52 mark with the Jazz were forced to take a timeout.
Andrew Nembhard had 10 points in that stretch, making a pair of threes along with a toe-on-the-line long two to lead the way. Just seeing some shots fall along with the energy and movement on offense was quite frankly a relief to see. Even if you look at the Pacers side of the box score after the game, it would appear to be a winning effort with 128 points and shooting 46.5% from the floor with only 8 turnovers.
Unfortunately, the early three point success didn’t hold and the defensive issues aren’t fully captured in the numbers. The most concerning issue was for the second game in a row, the Pacers let go of the rope in the second half, which Rick Carlisle mentioned following the game. The ability to scrap and find away to get back in a game by any means necessary has been worn out.
Carlisle shook up the starting five with Tony Bradley starting at center against Jusuf Nurkic, the huge big for the Jazz. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, fresh off signing a second 10-day contract started in place of Jarace Walker. Walker has been struggling in the huge role he’s been trying to fill and with TJ McConnell back, Walker working with the second unit makes more sense to keep him in a supporting role while he tries to get his game rolling.
Now the Pacers head to Phoenix for the final game of their road trip against the Suns, a feisty squad that is now 7-5 with Devin Booker scoring over 28 points per game. The Suns best win is over San Antonio, but the other six are over the Kings, Pelicans, Mavericks and twice overt he struggling Clippers.
In the hunt for more good news for the Pacers, their injury report is down to six players heading into game day. Rough year for good news.
Pacers vs. Suns
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
Odds: Pacers +4.5
Projected Starters
Pacers: Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Jackson
Suns: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neal, Mark Williams
Injuries
Pacers: Quenton Jackson (hammy) - out, Johnny Furphy (ankle) - out, Obi Toppin (hammy) - out, Bennedict Mathurin (toe) - out, Kam Jones (back) - out, Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - out
Suns: Jalen Green (hamstring) - out