Pacers Struggle After 76ers' Second-Quarter Surge

Philadelphia dominates inside to hand Indiana a 135-114 defeat

Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Pacers started strong, leading 38-30 after the first quarter, but the 76ers responded with a 17-0 run to open the second quarter, shifting the momentum. Philadelphia rode efficient shooting and a dominant 82-52 edge in points in the paint to a 135-114 victory. Joel Embiid returned with 27 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 32 for the 76ers. Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter each scored 23 for Indiana, with Potter setting a career high.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Pacers, who were looking to build on their early success. Philadelphia's ability to take control of the game with their second-quarter surge and dominate inside highlights the challenges Indiana faces in competing with the Eastern Conference's elite teams.

The details

The Pacers jumped out to an early lead, but the 76ers quickly erased it with a 17-0 run to start the second quarter. Philadelphia's efficient shooting and dominance in the paint, outscoring Indiana 82-52, proved to be the difference as the 76ers cruised to the 135-114 victory.

  • The Pacers led 38-30 after the first quarter.
  • Philadelphia opened the second quarter with a 17-0 run.

The players

Joel Embiid

A star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who returned to the lineup and scored 27 points in the win.

Tyrese Maxey

A guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 32 points in the victory.

Andrew Nembhard

A guard for the Indiana Pacers who scored 23 points in the loss.

Micah Potter

A forward for the Indiana Pacers who scored a career-high 23 points in the defeat.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to maintain our intensity and execution for the full 48 minutes. The 76ers showed their experience and poise in taking control of the game.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The Pacers will look to bounce back on Thursday when they host the Atlanta Hawks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the challenges the Pacers face in competing with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. While they started strong, the 76ers' second-quarter surge and dominance in the paint proved too much for Indiana to overcome, underscoring the need for the Pacers to find more consistency and find ways to match up with the conference's elite.