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India hosted their first-ever NBA game at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai in the form of a preseason contest between the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. The much-awaited clash went to overtime, with the Pacers edging past their opponents for a hard-fought 132-131 win eventually.
With both teams fielding their bonafide lineups, the 48 minutes of action proved to be a treat for the fans at the NSCI Dome. Moreover, the dramatic end was something that made the game even more memorable for all the Indians watching and hopefully sparked some much-needed domestic interest for the game amongst the youngsters as well who were in attendance.
In the first period, Pacers' Sabonis caught an elbow and bled his way off the court, only to return with a headband during the second quarter. Meanwhile, Indiana were trying to scrape their way back from the Kings stunning 11-0 run to start the game.
Let's draw out some key takeaways from this overtime classic, which will be followed by another matchup tomorrow.
#1 The drama-engulfed dying minutes of this epic battle were elite
After a high-scoring first half with the Kings carrying a comfortable 72-59 cushion, many would have expected a routine rally through the next couple of quarters in favour of Sacramento. However, Indiana dug deep, and with the help of TJ Warren's corner three and Myles Turner's clutch block, were able to force overtime in a game that had almost slipped from their hands.
Much to the delight of the crowd, Buddy Hield shot back-to-back threes and tied the game at 128-apiece in overtime. But there was more to come. Warren hit a 15-footer and Fox missed one of two FTs.
Eventually, the Kings found themselves with five seconds to overcome a three-point lead and Hield let it fly. The turnaround long-range attempt rimmed out and Bagley managed to tip it in before the clock expired, resulting in a heartbreaking one-point loss for Vivek Randive's team.
#2 TJ Warren adds another bright spot to the Indiana roster until Oladipo returns
The Phoenix Suns traded TJ Warren to Indiana in June of 2019. The Pacers' latest addition is 25-year-old Warren is beginning to pay dividends sooner than they'd have expected. The former Suns guard was impressive throughout the 33 minutes he spent on the court, coming up with gritty crunch plays down the stretch for his team.
Overall, he shot a decent 11-of-18 from the field and a mind-boggling five out of six on threes - one of which sent the game into overtime - to finish with a game-high total of 30 points. He also pulled down 5 rebounds and recorded a steal, while committing just one turnover.
Warren has been showing signs of brilliance ever since his time with Booker and the Suns. Now that he finds himself on a deep roster, in serious contention of a postseason berth, his skills will mean a lot more than they ever have.
Coming to his aid for Sabonis and Turner, who both ended the game with convincing double-doubles.
#3 Both the teams gave it their all, in what was a playoff intensity matchup
The gruelling back-and-forth was unlike the lacklustre usually seen in preseason games across the league. After being down by as much as 21 points in the first half, Coach Nate McMillan and his squad did not let go of this 'unimportant' preseason clash till the last breath.
Adding to the many highlights from this contest, Yogi Ferrell hoisted a shot from over half court with less than a second remaining in the second quarter. His splash sent the crowd into a frenzy, giving them a true taste of the never-die NBA spirit.
Moreover, Both coaches did not hold back on deploying their best talents on the court repeatedly throughout the game. When it looked like the reserves would take over the game for good, the trajectory of the game shifted to demand star players on the floor and ultimately, a lethal showdown amongst the elites down the stretch.
Both camps were throwing bodies all over the hardwood and battling it out with pure heart to become the first-ever winner in an Indian NBA Game. One team ended up winning. Both teams earned respect for their effort and commitment to the game.
