In a highly anticipated NBA matchup on January 16, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Indiana Pacers in a contest broadcast live on FOX Sports. Both teams brought fierce competition to the court, showcasing their skills and determination as the season progresses. This article provides a detailed recap of the game’s final score, key moments, and standout performances that shaped the outcome of this thrilling encounter.
New Orleans Pelicans Pull Off Thrilling Victory Against Indiana Pacers
The New Orleans Pelicans showcased relentless determination and clutch performance to secure a dramatic win on the road against the Indiana Pacers. With the game tied in the final minutes, Brandon Ingram delivered a series of critical baskets, including a decisive three-pointer that swung momentum in favor of the Pelicans. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes anchored the defense, blocking two crucial shots and grabbing key rebounds in the paint to deny any late Pacers’ surge. The team’s balanced attack and tough perimeter defense ultimately paved the way for a 112-108 victory in a high-intensity battle.
Indiana struggled to contain New Orleans’ aggressive pace but found bright spots in Myles Turner, who scored 28 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Despite Turner’s effort, the Pacers’ bench was largely outmatched, allowing the Pelicans’ reserves to contribute critical minutes and points during crunch time. Key factors in the Pelicans’ success included:
- 36% shooting from beyond the arc, capitalizing on open looks.
- 15 fast-break points generated off Pacers turnovers.
- Strong bench performance with 28 points from the second unit.
| Stat Category | Pelicans | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 112 | 108 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 44 |
| Assists | 26 | 21 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| 3PT Made | 11 | 9 |
Key Player Performances That Shaped the Final Score in the Pelicans Pacers Clash
At the heart of the Pelicans-Pacers showdown was Brandon Ingram, whose relentless offensive prowess kept New Orleans in control for the majority of the game. Ingram notched a season-high 34 points, efficiently converting critical mid-range jumpers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. His ability to penetrate Indiana’s defense created numerous scoring chances, not only for himself but also for his teammates, highlighting his role as the driving force behind the Pelicans’ offensive rhythm.
On the Indiana side, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a masterclass in playmaking, finishing with 12 assists alongside his 18 points. His court vision opened up the Pacers’ offense, enabling secondary scorers like Buddy Hield and Myles Turner to find open looks. Despite Haliburton’s efforts, turnovers at crucial moments and rebounding disadvantages allowed New Orleans to maintain their lead. The following table breaks down the key statistics that influenced the final result:
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Turnovers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram (NOP) | 34 | 5 | 7 | 2 | |
| Tyrese Haliburton (IND) | 18 | 12 | 4 | 5 | |
| Team Aspect | Priority |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | Perimeter defense & late-game execution |
| Indiana Pacers | Rebounding & ball security |
Insights and Conclusions
As the final buzzer sounded at the Smoothie King Center, the New Orleans Pelicans secured a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers, leaving fans on both sides reflecting on a competitive matchup. With this win, the Pelicans strengthen their position in the standings, while the Pacers will look to regroup as the season progresses. For comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis of this game and more, stay tuned to FOX Sports.
