The Indiana Pacers failed to secure a win in the three preseason games against the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and the Philadelphia 76ers. On Wednesday night, the Pacers kicked off the 2020-21 regular NBA season the right way defeating the New York Knicks 121-107.
Domantas Sabonis in the first quarter scored his 13 of 32 points finishing the game with a double-double. Not only did the big man have his way down low and grabbed 13 rebounds, he broke his career high in points.
The Knicks clawed their way back taking a 66-61 lead at the half as RJ Barrett would be the offensive weapon to steer the Knicks in attacking the rim. In the second-half, Victor Oladipo came out hot as the Pacers recorded five steals followed by Turner’s six blocked shots. Turner ended the night with eight blocks, eight rebounds and 10 points falling short of a triple-double.
With an impressive win, Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren spoke with BSO and media members about how he felt to get his first career win as an NBA head coach.
“I thought we were much better defensively there in the second-half. The guys they kept fighting,” Bjorkgren told Pacers.com.
“I thought Myles Turner really came in and did a good job…had a big third quarter. I think he finished with seven or eight blocks, seven or eight rebounds but the defensive intensity was much improved there in the second-half.”
Oladipo looked like his old All-Star self scoring 22 points as Malcolm Brogdon facilitated the offense with eight assists and 21 points.
The Pacers will face the Chicago Bulls Dec. 26 in a cold away trip in the Windy City at 8: p.m. EST on Fox Sports Indiana/NBC Sports Chicago.
Click on the next page for Pacers post-game interviews with Nate Bjorkgren and Victor Oladipo.
