TJ McConnell led the Pacers in scoring off the bench with 21 points. He also had 9 rebounds and 8 assists. The Pacers are 12th in the East with their playoff window quickly closing.
Deandre Ayton scored 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as his Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 100-93.
Ayton has seen his usage rate decline as the team tries to integrate two-time finals MVP Kevin Durant into the offense. It did not help that he was in foul trouble all night. Despite these setbacks, Ayton still managed to do Ayton things.
The Suns currently sit at 4th in the Western Conference and the win is big for them as it gives them an edge while taking the first-place Nuggets down a notch.
Elsewhere:
Kai Jones of the woebegone Charlotte Hornets got into the game last night. The Nassau-born 7-foot-tall pogo stick scored 3 points, grabbed 2 boards, dished out 2 assists and had a block and a steal apiece as his team lost to the Bulls 121-91.