Indiana Pacers vs. Sacramento Kings Match Series Analysis: 2024-25 NBA Season

The Indiana Pacers swept the Sacramento Kings 2-0 in their 2024-25 NBA regular-season series, showcasing second-half resilience and clutch playmaking. Indiana outscored Sacramento 233-204 across the two games, highlighted by Pascal Siakam’s double-double in Game 1 and Aaron Nesmith’s breakout in Game 2. Domantas Sabonis dominated the boards for Sacramento, supported by DeMar DeRozan’s scoring in Game 2, but the Kings’ defense and late-game execution faltered. The games were played on December 22, 2024 (Sacramento) and March 31, 2025 (Indiana), with all data verified via NBA.com, ESPN, and Basketball-Reference.com. This sweep marked Indiana’s first 2-0 edge over Sacramento since 2021-22, reinforcing their push for a top Eastern Conference seed.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Pacers vs Sacramento Kings Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: December 22, 2024
  • Game 2: March 31, 2025
• Series Result: Pacers swept 2-0

Important Notes – Pacers vs Kings Next Games (2025-26)

• Game 1:
  • Date: December 8, 2025
  • Matchup: Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers
  • Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana
  • Local Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Game 2:
  • Date: March 10, 2026
  • Matchup: Indiana Pacers at Sacramento Kings
  • Venue: Golden 1 Center, California
  • Local Time: 7:00 PM PT

Game 1: Indiana Pacers 122, Sacramento Kings 95 (December 22, 2024)

Game Summary

The Pacers stormed away in the second half, outscoring Sacramento 62-47 for a 122-95 rout, leading 60-48 at halftime. Pascal Siakam recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton added 17 points and 8 assists. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, but their 36.7% field goal shooting and 10 turnovers proved costly. Attendance: 17,608; Duration: 2:15.

Key Player Stats: Indiana Pacers

• Pascal Siakam (F): 19 points, 8-of-14 FG (57.1%), 1-of-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes. Double-double.
• Tyrese Haliburton (G): 17 points, 6-of-12 FG (50.0%), 3-of-6 3PT (50.0%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes.
• Obi Toppin (F): 19 points, 8-of-12 FG (66.7%), 1-of-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 25 minutes. Bench spark.
• Myles Turner (C): 14 points, 6-of-10 FG (60.0%), 0-of-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 28 minutes.
• Ben Sheppard (G): 15 points, 6-of-9 FG (66.7%), 3-of-5 3PT (60.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 26 minutes.
• Team Stats: 46-of-84 FG (54.8%), 14-of-28 3PT (50.0%), 16-of-18 FT (88.9%), 44 rebounds (13 offensive), 27 assists, 9 steals, 6 blocks, 13 turnovers, 122 points, 58 paint points.

Key Player Stats: Sacramento Kings

• De’Aaron Fox (G): 23 points, 9-of-17 FG (52.9%), 2-of-5 3PT (40.0%), 3-of-3 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 35 minutes.
• Domantas Sabonis (C): 17 points, 7-of-12 FG (58.3%), 0-of-0 3PT, 3-of-4 FT (75.0%), 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 33 minutes.
• Keegan Murray (F): 12 points, 5-of-13 FG (38.5%), 1-of-5 3PT (20.0%), 1-of-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes.
• DeMar DeRozan (G): 11 points, 4-of-11 FG (36.4%), 0-of-2 3PT (0.0%), 3-of-3 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes.
• Malik Monk (G): 10 points, 4-of-9 FG (44.4%), 1-of-4 3PT (25.0%), 1-of-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 27 minutes.
• Team Stats: 36-of-98 FG (36.7%), 8-of-28 3PT (28.6%), 17-of-20 FT (85.0%), 39 rebounds (11 offensive), 22 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 10 turnovers, 95 points, 42 paint points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (IND 32-28): Siakam’s seven points set the tone inside.
• Second Quarter (IND 60-48 halftime): Haliburton’s six assists fuel a 28-20 quarter; Fox’s eight points keep Kings close.
• Third Quarter (IND 88-70): Pacers’ 28-22 run with Sheppard’s 10 points.
• Fourth Quarter (IND 122-95): Pacers close 34-25; Toppin’s dunk seals the rout.

Game 2: Indiana Pacers 111, Sacramento Kings 109 (March 31, 2025)

Game Summary

The Pacers rallied from a 16-point deficit (76-60, third quarter) to win 111-109, fueled by a 41-33 fourth-quarter surge. Aaron Nesmith led with 24 points (17 in the second half), while DeMar DeRozan’s 31 points paced the Kings. Domantas Sabonis added 25 points and 16 rebounds, but Sacramento’s 14 turnovers and late-game collapse proved decisive. Attendance: 17,274; Duration: 2:18.

Key Player Stats: Indiana Pacers

• Aaron Nesmith (F): 24 points, 9-of-15 FG (60.0%), 4-of-7 3PT (57.1%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes.
• Obi Toppin (F): 19 points, 8-of-12 FG (66.7%), 1-of-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 25 minutes.
• Tyrese Haliburton (G): 18 points, 6-of-12 FG (50.0%), 3-of-6 3PT (50.0%), 3-of-3 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 35 minutes. Double-double.
• Pascal Siakam (F): 15 points, 6-of-11 FG (54.5%), 1-of-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes.
• Jarace Walker (F): 15 points, 6-of-10 FG (60.0%), 1-of-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 26 minutes.
• Team Stats: 40-of-89 FG (44.9%), 12-of-28 3PT (42.9%), 19-of-22 FT (86.4%), 46 rebounds (11 offensive), 24 assists, 9 steals, 7 blocks, 14 turnovers, 111 points, 40 paint points.

Key Player Stats: Sacramento Kings

• DeMar DeRozan (G): 31 points, 12-of-20 FG (60.0%), 1-of-2 3PT (50.0%), 6-of-6 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes.
• Domantas Sabonis (C): 25 points, 10-of-16 FG (62.5%), 0-of-0 3PT, 5-of-6 FT (83.3%), 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes.
• De’Aaron Fox (G): 22 points, 8-of-17 FG (47.1%), 3-of-7 3PT (42.9%), 3-of-3 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 37 minutes.
• Keegan Murray (F): 18 points, 7-of-13 FG (53.8%), 3-of-6 3PT (50.0%), 1-of-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes.
• Zach LaVine (G): 20 points, 8-of-15 FG (53.3%), 2-of-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-of-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes.
• Team Stats: 40-of-89 FG (44.9%), 12-of-27 3PT (44.4%), 17-of-20 FT (85.0%), 41 rebounds (11 offensive), 22 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 109 points, 40 paint points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (SAC 28-24): Sabonis’ seven points establish Kings’ early lead.
• Second Quarter (SAC 60-48 halftime): Fox’s eight points and four assists in a 32-24 quarter; Haliburton’s six assists keep Pacers close.
• Third Quarter (SAC 76-70): Kings hold a 16-point lead with Murray’s six points; Nesmith’s 10 sparks Pacers’ rally.
• Fourth Quarter (IND 111-109): Pacers’ 41-33 close with a 13-0 run to take a 95-90 lead; Nesmith’s 17 seals the comeback.

Series Recap & Player Impact

Indiana Pacers

• Pascal Siakam: 17.0 PPG (19, 15), 9.0 RPG (10, 8). Double-double in Game 1.
• Tyrese Haliburton: 17.5 PPG (17, 18), 9.5 APG (8, 11). Orchestrated comeback in Game 2.
• Aaron Nesmith: 24 points in Game 2 (17 in second half), series-turning performance.
• Obi Toppin: 19.0 PPG (19, 19), efficient bench scoring.
• Jarace Walker: 15 points in Game 2, key contributor.

Sacramento Kings

• Domantas Sabonis: 21.0 PPG (17, 25), 18.5 RPG (21, 16). Dominant inside presence.
• De’Aaron Fox: 22.5 PPG (23, 22), 6.5 APG (6, 7). Consistent scoring.
• DeMar DeRozan: 31 points, 8 assists in Game 2, critical scoring outburst.
• Keegan Murray: 15.0 PPG (12, 18), struggled in Game 1 (38.5% FG), bounced back in Game 2 (53.8% FG).
• Zach LaVine: 20 points in Game 2, added scoring depth.

Key Takeaway: Indiana’s depth, Haliburton’s playmaking, and Nesmith’s clutch scoring overcame Sacramento’s reliance on Sabonis and DeRozan’s Game 2 outburst. The Kings’ 12 turnovers per game (10 in Game 1, 14 in Game 2) and defensive lapses in Game 1 (36.7% FG allowed) were decisive.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Indiana swept the 2-0 series, outscoring Sacramento 233-204. The Pacers shot 54.8% FG in Game 1 and 44.9% in Game 2, with 50.0% and 42.9% from three, respectively. The Kings shot 36.7% FG in Game 1 and 44.9% in Game 2, with three-point shooting improving from 28.6% (8-28) to 44.4% (12-27). Indiana outrebounded Sacramento 44-39 in Game 1 and 46-41 in Game 2, winning the paint 58-42 in Game 1 and tying 40-40 in Game 2. The Pacers forced 12 turnovers per game (10, 14). Historically, Indiana leads the all-time series 55-45 since 1989; the Kings won 2 of 3 matchups in the 2023-24 season before this sweep.

Playoff Implications

• Indiana Pacers: The sweep solidified Indiana’s No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, supported by the NBA’s No. 2 offense (118.0 rating). Haliburton’s league-leading 10.9 APG fueled their balanced attack.
• Sacramento Kings: The losses kept Sacramento at the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, vying for a play-in spot. Despite strong performances from Sabonis and DeRozan, their defense struggled to contain Indiana’s depth, though specific defensive rankings are unavailable.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Indiana Pacers: Isaiah Jackson was out for Game 2 (calf injury).
• Sacramento Kings: No major injuries reported.

Conclusion

The Indiana Pacers swept the Sacramento Kings 2-0 in the 2024-25 season (122-95 on Dec. 22, 111-109 on Mar. 31), driven by Pascal Siakam’s double-double in Game 1 and Aaron Nesmith’s second-half heroics in Game 2. Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and Indiana’s rebounding edge outmatched Sacramento’s interior dominance from Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan’s Game 2 scoring. The Kings’ improved three-point shooting in Game 2 (44.4%) wasn’t enough to overcome 12 turnovers per game. Indiana strengthened their Eastern Conference standing, while Sacramento aims to climb from the play-in race in the West. For full box scores and details, visit NBA.com or ESPN.

​