Indiana Pacers Dominate LA Clippers in 129-111 Victory

On February 23, 2025, the Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding performance, defeating the LA Clippers 129-111 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers, boasting an NBA-best 16-5 record in 2025, showcased their offensive firepower and balanced attack, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 16th double-double of the season. The short-handed Clippers, missing key scorers Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, struggled to keep pace despite a strong effort from James Harden. Below is a detailed recap of the game, including player stats and key moments, sourced from verified data on NBA.com, ESPN, and Land of Basketball.

Match Summary

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Match Type: Regular Season
• Date: February 23, 2025
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Matchup: La Clippers vs Pacers Match Player Stats
• Final Score: Indiana Pacers 129 – LA Clippers 111
• Winner: Indiana Pacers
• Margin of Victory: 18 points
• Pacers Record in 2025 (after game): 16–5
• Clippers Record (after game): 31–25
• Pacers Winning Streak: 3 games
• Clippers Missing Players: Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell

Game Overview

The Pacers took control early, leading 31-24 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 66-55 by halftime. A pivotal third quarter, where Indiana outscored the Clippers 35-28, saw them build a 101-83 lead that proved insurmountable. The Pacers’ efficient shooting (54.8% FG) and balanced scoring overwhelmed a Clippers team hampered by injuries and limited offensive options.

Team Stats Comparison

• Final Score: Indiana Pacers 129, LA Clippers 111
• Field Goal %: Pacers 54.8% (46/84), Clippers 44.7% (38/85)
• Three-Point %: Pacers 33.3% (12/36), Clippers 25.0% (10/40)
• Free Throw %: Pacers 92.6% (25/27), Clippers 75.8% (25/33)
• Rebounds: Pacers 46 (8 offensive), Clippers 32 (6 offensive)
• Assists: Pacers 31, Clippers 23
• Steals: Pacers 7, Clippers 9
• Blocks: Pacers 5, Clippers 3
• Turnovers: Pacers 12, Clippers 10
• Points in the Paint: Pacers 58, Clippers 48
• Fast Break Points: Pacers 6, Clippers 7
• Points Off Turnovers: Pacers 16, Clippers 9

Scoring by Quarter

• 1st Quarter: Pacers 31, Clippers 24
• 2nd Quarter: Pacers 35, Clippers 31
• 3rd Quarter: Pacers 35, Clippers 28
• 4th Quarter: Pacers 28, Clippers 28

Standout Performances

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers had seven players score in double digits, with Haliburton and Myles Turner setting the tone. Their high-octane offense and playmaking, particularly in the third quarter, overwhelmed the Clippers’ defense.

• Tyrese Haliburton: Led the game with 29 points (9/14 FG, 4/8 3P, 7/7 FT), 12 assists, 3 steals, and 1 rebound in 30 minutes. Haliburton’s 17-point third quarter, including three consecutive three-pointers, sparked a 90-69 lead. He finished with a +15 plus-minus.
• Aaron Nesmith: Scored a season-high 19 points (7/11 FG, 2/5 3P, 3/3 FT) with 6 rebounds and 1 assist in 25 minutes. His efficient scoring and +17 plus-minus were key in maintaining Indiana’s momentum.
• Myles Turner: Returned from a three-game absence (cervical strain) with 17 points (5/11 FG, 4/8 3P, 3/3 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 31 minutes. Turner’s 17 first-half points set the tone, earning a +27 plus-minus.
• Pascal Siakam: Contributed 12 points (4/12 FG, 0/3 3P, 4/6 FT), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 30 minutes. His rebounding prowess led the game, with a +16 plus-minus.
• Andrew Nembhard: Added 12 points (5/11 FG, 0/2 3P, 2/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 30 minutes, finishing with a +17 plus-minus.
• T.J. McConnell: Provided 13 points (5/5 FG, 1/1 3P, 2/2 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 15 minutes off the bench, with a perfect shooting night and a +4 plus-minus.
• Obi Toppin: Scored 10 points (5/9 FG, 0/4 3P), with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal in 24 minutes. His alley-oop dunk off a between-the-legs pass from Haliburton was a highlight, finishing with a +2 plus-minus.

The Pacers’ bench, including Bennedict Mathurin (8 points) and Thomas Bryant (7 points), added depth, with Indiana’s 31 assists reflecting their unselfish play.

LA Clippers

The Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard (left foot soreness) and Norman Powell (left knee soreness), leaned heavily on James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Despite their efforts, the lack of scoring options led to a steady decline.

• James Harden: Led the Clippers with 31 points (9/17 FG, 6/13 3P, 7/9 FT), 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 35 minutes. His stepback threes kept the Clippers in the game early, but he couldn’t overcome the deficit, finishing with a -17 plus-minus.
• Ivica Zubac: Delivered 22 points (8/11 FG, 6/6 FT), 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 30 minutes. Zubac’s efficiency in the paint was a bright spot, but his -9 plus-minus reflected defensive struggles.
• Amir Coffey: Scored 14 points (4/9 FG, 1/4 3P, 5/6 FT) with 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 26 minutes, but struggled defensively with a -17 plus-minus.
• Bogdan Bogdanović: Added 11 points (4/13 FG, 1/8 3P, 2/3 FT), 2 assists, and 1 rebound in 29 minutes off the bench, finishing with a +1 plus-minus.
• MarJon Beauchamp: Contributed 9 points (3/5 FG, 1/1 3P, 2/4 FT), 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13 minutes, providing a spark with a +4 plus-minus.
• Ben Simmons: Recorded 8 points (3/7 FG, 2/3 FT), 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 24 minutes, but finished with a -6 plus-minus.
• Derrick Jones Jr.: Struggled with 6 points (3/9 FG, 0/5 3P), no rebounds, and 1 steal in 19 minutes, posting a -17 plus-minus.

The Clippers’ bench provided limited support, and their 25.0% three-point shooting and 10 turnovers hindered their comeback efforts.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: The Pacers jumped out to a 31-24 lead, with Haliburton and Turner combining for 12 points. Harden’s two stepback threes kept the Clippers close.
• Second Quarter: Indiana extended their lead to 66-55, outscoring the Clippers 35-31. Turner’s 17 first-half points and Haliburton’s playmaking (7 assists) fueled a 14-point run.
• Third Quarter Surge: Haliburton’s 17 points, including three straight three-pointers, sparked a 21-point lead (90-69). The Pacers shot 65% (13/20) in the quarter, while the Clippers managed only 28 points.
• Fourth Quarter: The Clippers cut the deficit to 14, but Indiana’s bench, led by McConnell’s perfect shooting, maintained control. Nesmith’s late three-pointer sealed the 129-111 final.

Analysis

The Pacers’ victory highlighted their depth and offensive efficiency, with seven players in double figures and a 54.8% field goal percentage. Haliburton’s 29 points and 12 assists, combined with Turner’s return, powered a third-quarter surge that put the game out of reach. Their 58 points in the paint and 92.6% free-throw shooting underscored their dominance. The Pacers’ 16-5 record in 2025 reflects their strong form, as noted in posts on X praising their recent three-game winning streak.

The Clippers, despite Harden’s 31-point, 11-assist effort, were severely limited by the absence of Leonard (16 games played this season) and Powell (24.2 PPG). Their 25.0% three-point shooting and 32 rebounds (compared to Indiana’s 46) highlighted their struggles. Zubac’s efficiency (62.8% FG this season) was a positive, but the Clippers’ lack of scoring depth was evident, as noted in recent X posts about their defensive intensity not translating to wins without key players.

Conclusion

The Indiana Pacers’ 129-111 rout of the LA Clippers on February 23, 2025, showcased their offensive prowess and depth, with Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner leading a balanced attack. The Clippers, hampered by injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, relied heavily on James Harden and Ivica Zubac but couldn’t keep pace. Indiana’s 32-23 record and three-game winning streak position them for a strong playoff push, while the Clippers (31-25) look to regroup on their road trip.