Pacers' comeback falls short after disastrous first half

Indiana allows 79 points in the first half but rallies in the fourth quarter before losing to the Trail Blazers 127-119

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:18am

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The Indiana Pacers hosted the Portland Trail Blazers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers' horrific first-half defense led to a 79-62 halftime deficit. However, the Pacers mounted a ferocious fourth-quarter comeback, getting within 3 points, before ultimately falling 127-119. Swingman Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, while center Ivica Zubac scored a team-high 18 points for the Pacers.

Why it matters

The loss extends the Pacers' franchise-record losing streak to 15 games, as they continue to struggle mightily this season. The team's poor first-half defense and rebounding put them in a deep hole, though their bench-led fourth-quarter rally showed fight. This game highlights the Pacers' ongoing defensive woes and their inability to overcome large deficits, despite solid offensive production at times.

The details

The Pacers surrendered 79 points in the first half, with the Trail Blazers shooting 56% from the field and grabbing 13 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points. Indiana's offense kept them in the game, shooting 51% in the first half, but they were unable to overcome the massive deficit. In the fourth quarter, a lineup of rookie Kam Jones, two-way players Taelon Peter and Jalen Slawson, and forwards Kobe Brown and Jarace Walker led the Pacers' comeback attempt, getting the team within 3 points. However, a late 3-pointer from Jrue Holiday helped the Trail Blazers seal the victory.

  • The Pacers have lost a franchise-record 15 straight games.
  • The Trail Blazers improved to 34-36 on the season and are ninth in the Western Conference.

The players

Deni Avdija

A swingman for the Portland Trail Blazers who scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 5 assists to lead his team to victory.

Ivica Zubac

The Pacers' center scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive end, before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a head contusion.

Jalen Slawson

The Pacers' two-way contract forward scored a career-high 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and had 3 blocks, helping lead the Pacers' fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

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What they’re saying

“The Pacers responded with an exceptional defensive second half, especially from their deep bench. Their fourth-quarter lineup of rookie guard Kam Jones, two-way contract guard Taelon Peter, two-way contract forward Jalen Slawson, newly acquired forward Kobe Brown and forward Jarace Walker created a fierce rally that got the Pacers all the way back to within three points.”

— Dustin Dopirak, Reporter

What’s next

The Pacers will look to end their franchise-record 15-game losing streak in their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, March 22.

The takeaway

The Pacers' inability to play consistent defense continues to be their Achilles' heel this season, as they dug themselves into a deep hole early against the Trail Blazers. However, the team's fourth-quarter rally showed the fight and potential of their young bench players, providing a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the season.