The Indiana Pacers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 117-113, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday,

The Pacers (26-34) had to engage in a tough battle to get past the Bulls (26-32) in Indiana’s final game before the 2023 All-Star break, and it wasn’t easy by any means, as the Pacers had to mount a significant comeback to get back following an early deficit. Chicago looked dominant in the early going and raced out to a 39-15 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Pacers showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring their rivals by a 27-19 score just before the break. The Bulls were still leading by double digits, but the Pacers carried the momentum of the second quarter into the second half and won the third quarter by 12 points, outscoring Chicago by a 40-28 score. The Bulls couldn’t hold on to their lead with only 12 minutes left, and the Pacers completed the comeback with a 35-27 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-14 at home, while the Bulls fell to 10-20 on the road.

Buddy Hield led the way for the Pacers with 27 points and four rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith posted 21 points, seven boards and three assists. Myles Turner came close to a double-double after racking up 17 points and nine rebounds, and he also provided three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton notched 16 points and eight assists, while Chris Duarte and Bennedict Mathurin each had 14 points while coming off the bench.

Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls despite the loss with 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Nikola Vucevic delivered 19 points and seven rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu ended up with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds, and Patrick Williams had 11 points. Coby White impressed off the bench and delivered 25 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 33 minutes.