The Indiana Pacers opened their 2025-26 preseason slate with a gritty, deep-rotation victory on Oct. 7, prevailing 135-134 overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. While the win counts for little in the standings, the unnerving finish served as an early test of mettle for a squad focused on cultivating resilience.
The Pacers initially looked poised for a blowout, establishing an early rhythm behind efficient play from the core starters. They jumped out to a dominant lead, extending their advantage to as much as 24 points midway through the contest, capitalizing on high-energy defense and smooth ball movement. The team appeared in mid-season form as it coasted through the opening three quarters, scoring 37 points in the first period and taking a significant lead into the final frame.
Despite this, the Timberwolves refused to fold, unleashing a rally that erased the deficit. Minnesota’s primary unit and reserves combined for a massive 42-point effort in the fourth period, tying the game and sending the exhibition into an extra period, much to the excitement of the 9,247 fans in attendance.
With most of Indiana’s key veterans already resting on limited minutes — including an early exit for Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith, and notable inactives like Tyrese Haliburton — the overtime period became a proving ground for the younger core and two-way contract athletes. RayJ Dennis rose to the occasion, leading all Pacers scorers with 16 points on efficient shooting, including four 3-pointers. His production was essential in securing the win as the game wore on.
Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith set a highly efficient foundation in their brief, opening stints. Siakam, named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP in the team’s run to the NBA Finals last season, dropped 14 points on just nine field goal attempts, hitting three of five from beyond the arc in just over 14 minutes. Nesmith added 12 points on four-of-four free throws to complement his two converted 3-pointers, demonstrating the offensive polish expected from the starting wings.
Ultimately, the depth pieces sealed the narrow 11-10 advantage in the five-minute overtime. Pacers forward Jarace Walker, playing a team-high 24 minutes, contributed 13 points and five rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends. Meanwhile, Johnny Furphy pitched in 12 points, primarily finishing his work at the free-throw line (five-of-six). Guard Taelon Peter, who saw 27 minutes of action, added 10 points.
The final moments were physical, with Minnesota’s Enrique Freeman, who played for the Pacers last season, receiving a flagrant foul 1 in overtime. The Pacers collectively shot nearly 48 percent from the field and capitalized on free throws, connecting on 25 of 31 attempts.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more sports, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
