DENVER – The Indiana Pacers managed a 125-120 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, buoyed by Obi Toppin’s impressive 22-point contribution in his second start this season. Myles Turner emerged as the leading scorer for the Pacers with 24 points, helping the team overcome a 13-point deficit in the first half, while Tyrese Haliburton had a quieter night than usual with only nine points from eight shots.
Despite a stellar effort from Nikola Jokic, who scored 41 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and delivered 13 assists, the Nuggets faced their fourth consecutive defeat. Christian Braun recorded a career-high 30 points for Denver, yet his miscommunication with Jokic led to a crucial backcourt turnover with just 15 seconds left on the clock, which was pivotal in the Nuggets’ loss.
The Nuggets were playing their fifth consecutive game without Jamal Murray, who is out due to a strained right hamstring. Coach Michael Malone expressed hope that Murray would return in time for the playoffs.
The Pacers were without Pascal Siakam, sidelined with a right elbow injury, and found themselves trailing by 13 points in the first half. Haliburton, who averages 18.6 points per game, was kept scoreless until a 3-pointer with 3:43 remaining in the third quarter that tied the score at 84. His subsequent floater swung the lead to Indiana, 98-97, as they entered the final quarter.
In the Western Conference standings, the Nuggets remain in fourth place but sit precariously just a game ahead of the eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies.
**Takeaways**
For the Pacers, the victory without Siakam highlights their depth, which will be crucial in the postseason. They maintain a secure position in the Eastern Conference’s fourth place. Conversely, the Nuggets, once in second place, are now in danger of slipping into a play-in game situation as playoff spots are contested.
**Key Moment**
Jokic’s misdirected handoff to Braun, intended for Russell Westbrook, at a critical juncture was part of the Nuggets’ costly final-minute turnovers, the third in the last two minutes and the sixth of the fourth quarter.
**Key Stat**
Coach Malone successfully challenged two first-half foul calls against Denver — one involving Jokic and another concerning Christian Braun.
**Up Next**
The Pacers will host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, while the Nuggets are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.