Key Takeaways:
- Andrew Nembhard recorded 28 points and dished out a season-high 12 assists to help the Pacers claim victory
- Russell Westbrook notched his fourth triple-double of the season with 24 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds for the Kings
- Indiana maintained composure in the closing quarter to secure a 116-105 win and match their season-best two consecutive victories
Match Overview
In Indianapolis, Andrew Nembhard produced an impressive all-round display with 28 points and a season-high 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers earned a 116-105 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Bennedict Mathurin supported with 25 points, and Pascal Siakam contributed 23, as Indiana equalled its best run of the season with back-to-back wins. The Pacers have now improved to a 6-18 overall record by winning four of their last six fixtures, having previously started the campaign 2-16.
back-to-back dubs 😤#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/aIzrZTent2
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 9, 2025
Game Flow and Turning Points
Indiana established early dominance, stretching their lead to 66-51 by the interval. A layup from Nembhard widened the gap to 77-58 with 8 and a half minutes left in the third quarter. However, Sacramento responded with a 37-point surge in the period, reducing the deficit to 92-88 heading into the final quarter. The Kings then launched an 11-0 run, moving ahead 101-97 following a basket from Russell Westbrook.
The Pacers regained their momentum as Nembhard drilled a three-pointer to halt Sacramento’s charge, with Mathurin sinking another to put Indiana back in the lead at 103-101. Nembhard extended Indiana’s advantage, adding another three-pointer and a layup to make it 108-101.
Individual Performances
Nembhard’s performance stood out on both ends of the court, combining scoring with effective playmaking. Mathurin and Siakam played important supporting roles offensively. For Sacramento, Russell Westbrook recorded his fourth triple-double of the season and the 207th of his career, finishing with 24 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points, while Zach LaVine contributed 16.
| Team | Top Scorer | Assists Leader | Rebounds Leader | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | Andrew Nembhard (28) | Andrew Nembhard (12) | Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson (7) | 116 |
| Sacramento Kings | Russell Westbrook (24) | Russell Westbrook (14) | Russell Westbrook (13) | 105 |
Upcoming Fixtures
The Kings (6-18) were aiming for consecutive wins after a recent success in Miami on Saturday, but will next host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The Pacers will travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
