Jay Huff’s Career Night Sparks Offensive Explosion as Pacers Top Pelicans 127-119

It hasn’t been the season the Indiana Pacers envisioned. Marred by injuries to franchise cornerstones like Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, the year has often felt like an uphill climb against a steep, unforgiving grade. But on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, amidst a difficult 10-32 campaign, the Pacers found a spark from an unlikely source, reminding the Indianapolis faithful that resilience is still part of this team’s DNA.

Jay Huff, the 7-foot-1 center acquired in the offseason, delivered the performance of his life, pouring in a career-high 29 points to lift the Pacers to a high-octane 127-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

An Unlikely Hero Emerges for the Pacers

On a roster searching for consistency, Huff provided dominance. Entering the contest averaging just over 8 points a game, he looked like a completely different player against New Orleans. He commanded the paint with a soft touch and confident range, shooting a blistering 13-for-17 from the field. He even stepped out beyond the arc, draining three of his six attempts from deep.

For a player whose previous career high was 22 points—set last year while wearing a Grizzlies uniform—this was a breakout moment. It wasn’t just about the scoring; Huff pulled down nine rebounds, anchoring the Pacers in the middle and providing a safety valve for an offense that was humming all night long. For the fans in attendance, it was a moment of pure joy in a grinding season, watching a role player step into the spotlight and seize the game.

Siakam and Nembhard steady the ship

While Huff grabbed the headlines, the Pacers’ engine was fueled by their established veterans. Pascal Siakam, shouldering a heavy load this season, was electric in the first half. He scored 20 of his 27 points before the break, setting an aggressive tone that the Pelicans simply couldn’t match. Siakam’s ability to attack the rim and create his own shot gave Indiana the early confidence they needed to turn this into a shootout.

Andrew Nembhard was equally instrumental, orchestrating the floor with a calm demeanor. He finished with a gritty double-double, tallying 19 points and ripping down 10 boards. With the Pacers missing their primary playmaker in Haliburton, Nembhard’s steady hand was vital. He helped ensure that when the Pelicans made their inevitable runs, Indiana didn’t panic. They simply executed.

A Historic First Half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

The offense wasn’t just good; it was historically efficient for this squad. After trailing by a bucket at the end of the first quarter, the Pacers exploded in the second frame. They racked up 42 points in those 12 minutes alone, heading into the locker room with a 73-66 lead.

Those 73 points marked the Pacers’ highest-scoring first half of the entire season. The ball movement was crisp, the shots were falling, and for 24 minutes, the team looked like the offensive juggernaut they have been in years past. It was a refreshing display of firepower for a team that has often struggled to find the bottom of the net during its recent skids.

Withstanding the Zion Storm

Winning this game required surviving a force of nature: Zion Williamson. The Pelicans‘ star was his usual efficient, bruising self. Williamson led New Orleans with 27 points, missing only two shots from the field all night (10-of-12). He was a wrecking ball in the paint, particularly in the first half, where he went a perfect 8-for-8.

New Orleans also got solid contributions from Trey Murphy III (22 points) and Saddiq Bey (20 points), but their defense had no answer for the Pacers’ depth. Indiana had five players in double figures, including 12 points apiece from Aaron Nesmith and Quenton Jackson. When the Pelicans tried to close the gap in the fourth quarter, the Pacers’ collective effort held firm, securing their fourth win in their last five outings.

Looking Ahead

This win closes out a 3-1 homestand for Indiana, a massive morale boost for a team sitting at 10-32. While the playoffs may feel like a distant dream, nights like this matter. They build culture. They prove that even without their stars, the Pacers fight.

Indiana now heads to Detroit to face the Pistons on Saturday, looking to carry this momentum onto the road. For one night, at least, the frustrations of a long season were washed away by a career performance from Jay Huff and a team-wide refusal to lose.