NBA: Wizards have rare showing on defense in win over Pacers

Marvin Bagley III recorded season highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Washington Wizards put together a stout defensive performance to top the Indiana Pacers, 108-89, on Sunday in Indianapolis.

The win marked the Wizards’ first game in the 2025-26 season where they held an opponent to a double-digit point total. The Pacers’ 89 points were the fewest any Wizards team has allowed since a November 2021 win over Memphis, where Washington limited the Grizzlies to 87 points.

Indiana struggled offensively throughout the game, shooting just 36.9% from the floor (31 of 84). In contrast, the Wizards converted 41 of 89 field goals, while also dominating the glass with a 56-41 rebounding advantage.

Bagley was the standout performer, leading both teams in points and rebounds. He was supported by Justin Champagnie, who matched Bagley’s 14 boards, and Kyshawn George, who contributed eight rebounds and a game-high nine assists. George also flirted with a triple-double, scoring nine points in the process.

While George was the only Wizards starter not to hit double figures, the team had strong contributions from other players. CJ McCollum added 18 points and grabbed six rebounds, Champagnie scored 13 points, and Bub Carrington chipped in with 11 points and five assists.

In reserve, Tre Johnson provided a spark, knocking down 3 of 4 three-pointers for 14 points in just 16 minutes of play. Will Riley also contributed off the bench with 12 points.

On the Pacers’ side, Bennedict Mathurin led the charge with 15 points. Jay Huff scored 13 points, Jarace Walker added 12, and Isaiah Jackson came off the bench to score 11. The Wizards’ defense held star Pascal Siakam to a quiet 11 points, well below his season average of 24.3, as he struggled to find his rhythm with a 4-of-12 shooting performance.

Washington controlled the game from start to finish, taking command with a 23-9 run to close the second quarter. During that stretch, the Wizards stifled the Pacers' offense, holding them without a field goal for extended periods—3:11, 2:14, and 2:43.

Although Indiana briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the third quarter, Washington quickly responded with a 15-8 run to end the period. From there, the Wizards cruised to the finish line, ensuring the Pacers remained under 90 points for only the second time this season.

With this dominant win, the Wizards improved their defensive reputation while Bagley and the supporting cast proved that Washington can rely on a balanced attack to secure victories. -Field Level Media/Reuters