NBA Draft

Indiana Pacers Rookie Gets Run, Produces vs. Magic

The Indiana Pacers see rookie Johnny Furphy have a career night against the Orlando Magic.

Rylan Stiles

Mar 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy (12) warms up on the court before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy (12) warms up on the court before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images / Madeleine Mertens-Imagn Images
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As the NBA season comes to a close, the lineups at times can get funky. With NBA postseason fates decided, it is a chance to steal rest for an eventual playoff run or secure lottery odds for May. That gives youngsters a chance to get more action in live NBA games, particularly rookies.

One of the 2024 NBA Draft class members who have benefited the most from this end of season norm has been Indiana Pacers second round pick Johnny Furphy.

The Kansas product was selected with the No. 35 pick in the NBA Draft and was viewed as a sharpshooter with positive traits. The Indiana Pacers have locked up the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a date against the Milwaukee Bucks looming in the first round of the playoffs.

Furphy has only averaged 6.9 minutes this season for the Pacers and gotten into 49 contests. On Friday, he notched a career high 32 minutes against the Orlando Magic in a 129-115 loss.

The 20-year-old came off the bench to score 17 points, haul in six rebounds and dish out three assists while swiping a steal. Furphy shot 6-for-10 from the floor and 2-for-5 from beyond the arc while making just three of his seven free throws. While you would like the rookie to knock in more at the line, getting there is half the battle with hard drives and explosive cuts.

Clearly, the rookie is unlikely to be in Indiana's playoff rotation, but the second round pick is a developmental story that could pay off next season. Furphy should have one more chance on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavailers to play heavy minutes.

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Rylan Stiles
RYLAN STILES

Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member covering the Oklahoma City Thunder. He hosts the Locked On Thunder Podcast, and is lead beat writer for Inside the Thunder. Rylan is also an award-winning play-by-play broadcaster for the Oklahoma Sports Network. 

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