Washington Wizards (15-39) beat Indiana Pacers (15-41) 112-105 at home on Thursday, February 19.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Wizards had the better start, winning the first 26-24 to lead by 2 after one. The Wizards kept the pressure on with a 33-23 second quarter, carrying a 12-point lead into halftime.
The Pacers won the third 33-29 to stay in front, taking a 8-point lead into the fourth. The Pacers took the fourth 25-24; the Wizards held on for a 112-105 regulation win.
What decided it
The Wizards took better care of the ball, turning it over on 9.4% of possessions compared with 20.9% for the Pacers. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Pacers did win one battle, the free-throw line: FT rate of 26.5 against 15.3. The Wizards made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 108 possessions per team, the Wizards produced 103.4 points per 100 possessions to 96.9 for the Pacers.
The Wizards' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 59-43.
Who made the difference
Tristan Vukcevic was the game's biggest individual force for WAS: 12 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl on 4-7 shooting. His Game Score of 16.9 led everyone. His team was +4 with him on the floor.
Ben Sheppard led the Pacers with 15 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast on 6-8 shooting, good for a 15.7 Game Score.
Jarace Walker (19 pts, 14 reb, 7 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 51% for the Wizards.
Across the last 6 meetings in our records, Indiana Pacers lead 5-1.
The Wizards are now 15-39, and the Pacers are 15-41. The Wizards last five before this game: L-W-L-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.