NBA Roundup: Pacers Secure First Win, Injuries Mount for Hawks and Grizzlies
A wave of compelling action swept through the NBA on Saturday, marked by the Indiana pacers’ first victory as the restart, critically importent injuries to key players like Trae Young, and a suspension for Ja Morant. The Sacramento Kings also delivered a stunning upset, while several French players saw action across multiple games.
The Indiana Pacers, significantly hampered by injuries this season, finally broke their five-game losing streak with a 114-109 victory over the golden State Warriors.The pacers are currently without their star point guard, tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a cruciate ligament rupture during game seven of the finals. Saturday’s game saw only two of the five starters from the previous finals lineup take the court, due to player transfers and further injuries to Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard, alongside absences from bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin. Replacement leader Quenton Jackson stepped up with an extraordinary performance, contributing 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, alongside Aaron Nesmith’s game-high 31 points, while facing Stephen Curry’s 24. Another key player, reportedly Young, is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
In Atlanta, the Hawks will be without Trae Young, a four-time All-Star point guard, for at least four weeks due to a mild medial collateral ligament sprain in his right knee. The injury occurred during a collision with a teammate during wednesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Young, averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists this season,saw a dip from his previous average of 24.2 points and 11.6 assists last season.
The Sacramento Kings pulled off a major upset, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 135-133 on their home court. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, supported by strong performances from Zach LaVine (31 points) and DeMar DeRozan (29 points). The Kings built a lead in the third quarter but faced a tense finish against the Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Elsewhere, the Detroit Pistons secured a 122-110 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico, fueled by standout performances from Jalen Duren (33 points, 10 rebounds) and Cade Cunningham (21 points, 18 assists).
The Memphis Grizzlies are grappling with internal issues as Ja Morant,the team’s star point guard,has been suspended for one game following critical comments after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Morant, a two-time All-Star, struggled in the game, scoring only 8 points on 3 of 14 shooting, and was subsequently criticized by his coach, Tuomas Iisalo, for his lack of involvement. When asked about his performance, Morant reportedly stated, “to ask the staff,” and added that, “according to them it would be not to play me. That was their message basically. Its okay.” the Grizzlies have a 3-3 record since the restart, indicating ongoing challenges.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ center Rudy Gobert delivered a strong performance with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists in their 122-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Moussa Diabaté contributed 11 points and 9 rebounds for the Hornets, while Tidjane Salaün saw limited playing time with 11 minutes and 2 points. In other action, French players Alex Sarr (10 points, 8 rebounds) and bilal Coulibaly (10 points, 4 assists) faced a tough defeat against Orlando (125-94), where rookie Noah Penda added 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
© 2025 AFP
