Jerami Grant led the Portland Trail Blazers with a 37-point performance, overcoming the Indiana Pacers 118-115 during Friday’s NBA action — overshadowing Pascal Siakam’s first game with his new team. Malcolm Brogdon contributed significantly with a season-high 30 points, helping the Blazers to secure their second consecutive win.
Siakam, who recently joined the Pacers following a trade from the Toronto Raptors, started strong with 21 points. Myles Turner also stood out for Indiana, scoring 29 points and 12 rebounds. This came after the Pacers’ victory over Sacramento the previous night.
Tyrese Haliburton made a notable return for the Pacers after a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury, contributing 21 points and 17 assists. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups commended his team for their discipline against a tough Pacers team known for their fast pace and shot-making abilities.
“We had so many people contribute,” Billups said. “It’s a difficult team to play against. It really is. Their pace, and their pace in the halfcourt is as deadly as anybody’s, their shot making is very dangerous. I would say our game plan discipline stood out for me.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers, Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The game intensified in the final quarter, with the Pacers closing in on the Trail Blazers’ lead. Turner’s three-pointers kept Indiana within striking distance, but Grant’s consistent scoring, including a crucial free throw, helped Portland maintain their edge. Haliburton missed a crucial three-pointer towards the end, cementing Portland’s victory.
Deandre Ayton of the Blazers, back from an injury, praised the team’s collective effort and adherence to the coaches’ strategy.
“It was a fun game at the end of the day,” Ayton said. “We were competing and we played for each other tonight and we did everything the coaches asked of us.”
Siakam’s move to Indiana is a significant acquisition for the Pacers, with coach Rick Carlisle expressing long-term interest in the two-time All-Star.
“He’s a guy that we’ve coveted for a long time,” Carlisle said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers, Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Despite the loss, Siakam’s addition alongside Haliburton is expected to boost the Pacers’ already potent scoring. The Blazers played without Anfernee Simons, who has been battling illness. Ayton, who missed the previous game due to inclement weather, returned to contribute to Portland’s win.
“I just couldn’t get out, period,” Ayton said. “Ain’t no boat, ain’t no helicopter, nothing. I just had to take the L.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers, Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Blazers established a commanding presence in the first half, outscoring the Pacers in the paint and taking a solid lead into halftime.
Despite the loss, Pacers coach Carlisle acknowledged the need for better handling of Grant and praised the physicality and home performance of the Blazers.
“Grant just got going, and we just didn’t do a good enough job with him. We probably should have double-teamed him earlier. Malcolm had a good game,” Carlisle said. “They’re a physical team, they play hard and play well at home. So they earned the win.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers, Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Injury news from the Blazers camp included rookie Scoot Henderson suffering a nasal contusion in the first half and not returning to the game.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will conclude their six-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers will face the Los Angeles Lakers.
