Pacers' Struggles Continue as Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs Prevail, 123-113
January 2, 2026, 9:48 p.m. ET
The Pacers' losing streak deepened to 11 games as they fell to the Spurs, 123-113, despite De'Aaron Fox's impressive performance. The Pacers, without their star player Victor Wembanyama, struggled to contain the Spurs' dynamic guards, who dominated the game.
INDIANAPOLIS -- De'Aaron Fox led the charge for the Spurs, scoring 24 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists. The Spurs' young guards, including Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, showcased their skills, with Harper scoring 22 points and Castle contributing 19. The team's frontcourt, led by Keldon Johnson, also played a crucial role, with Johnson scoring 16 points.
On the Pacers' side, Pascal Siakam led the team with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter also contributed significantly, with Nembhard scoring 19 points and Potter earning his first start with 16 points and six rebounds. However, the Pacers' struggles continued, as they have now lost 11 consecutive games, holding the worst record in the NBA at 6-29.
The game highlighted the impact of turnovers and offensive rebounds, which created a significant gap for the Pacers. Despite their efforts, the Pacers couldn't overcome the Spurs' superior performance in these areas, leading to a 71-58 halftime lead for San Antonio. The Pacers showed resilience in the second half, but the Spurs' ability to hit crucial shots sealed the victory.
Micah Potter's Performance Impresses
Micah Potter, who was signed by the Pacers from the G-League affiliate Austin Spurs, earned his first start with the team. His performance against his former organization was impressive, as he scored 16 points on 5 of 10 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Potter's shooting range and putbacks showcased his versatility, and his +23 rating in 26 minutes on the floor demonstrated his value to the team.
The Pacers' Future Decisions
With Potter and Tony Bradley on non-guaranteed contracts, the Pacers will need to make decisions regarding their roster. Potter's performance and the potential return of Isaiah Jackson from a concussion create a complex situation. The team will likely want to optimize their depth and make strategic choices to improve their record.
