The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 126-112, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.

The Pacers (44-34) moved 10 games over the .500 threshold with a win over the Thunder (52-25). It wasn't an easy win for the Pacers, as they endured a slow start and had to mount a comeback in the second half to get the victory. Oklahoma City raced to a 32-31 lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly responded with a 38-27 score. That gave them a 10-point lead by halftime. Indiana kept the momentum going and also won the final two quarters, 31-30 and 26-23, en route to clinching a key win in their race to avoid the Play-In Tournament. With the win, the Pacers moved to 24-15 at home, while the Thunder fell to 23-17 on the road.

Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 21 points and five rebounds. Aaron Nesmith had 17 points and four rebounds, while Myles Turner chipped in with 16 points and three boards. Tyrese Haliburton only scored eight points, but he added 11 assists as well. T.J. McConnell delivered 16 points, 10 assists and five rebounds off the bench. Obi Toppin also had 15 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. The Pacers shot 52.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.

Luguentz Dort led the way for the Thunder with 22 points and two rebounds. Josh Giddey finished with 14 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Isaiah Joe had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chet Holmgren posted 15 points and eight rebounds. Kenrich Williams added 18 points off the bench. The Thunder shot 48.8 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep.