Indiana Pacers drop preseason opener to Memphis Grizzlies in overtime

The Pacers fell by five to begin preseason play

The Indiana Pacers kicked off preseason play Sunday in Memphis with a tune-up game against the Grizzlies. They were without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who joined the team late and is coming off of a busy summer with Team USA. Daniel Theis and the injured Andrew Nembhard were also unavailable.

Without the two point guards, the Pacers started T.J. McConnell, and he was tasked with a lot of ball handling. So was Bruce Brown, a new addition this offseason.

Fittingly, Brown got the Pacers going and found another one of Indaina's new players for their first bucket. He threw the ball to Obi Toppin, who the blue and gold traded for in July, in semi-transition, and the forward tossed in a floater to open the scoring.

Said basket: pic.twitter.com/18vZx6EUuj

— Tony East (@TonyREast) October 9, 2023

The Pacers first quarter looked a lot like many of their games last season — a lot of offense, not a lot of defense. The blue and gold were able to get buckets in transition while also founding ways to score in the halfcourt. But they struggled to get stops, and Desmond Bane had nine first-quarter points for Memphis. It was 34-32 after one frame.

The second quarter looked similar stylistically, but both teams were less accurate from the field. The Grizzlies picked things up near the end of the frame and expanded their lead.

Brown was filling in as the Pacers backup point guard, and he was playing well in the first half. So was Jordan Nwora, who was the backup power forward. Indiana trailed 66-59 at the break, and Bennedict Mathurin led the team in scoring with 14 points at the time. McConnell had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists at the break.

Indiana opened up the second half with a younger, reserve-heavy group. First-round picks Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard started the third quarter alongside Jalen Smith, Mathurin, and Buddy Hield.

That unit went on a 10-2 run to begin the half, which allowed the blue and gold to recapture the lead. Sheppard, in particular, was impressive. He was knocking in threes and making hustle plays, and he kept the Pacers in it.

The 26th overall pick scored 11 points in the quarter, and Indiana tied things up at 91 after three frames. That stretch was impressive — the Pacers young players were facing off with Grizzlies starters and top bench players. But they kept it close enough.

In the fourth frame, both teams leaned on their reserves. It was a preseason game, and the first one for either squad, so conditioning and talent evaluation were added factors.

The Pacers rolled with youngsters for much of the quarter. After starting 0/5 from the field, Walker got things going in the final frame. He made 5 of his next 6 shots and kept Indiana in it.

They were ahead for a decent portion of the frame, but Memphis tied it up late. With the score tied at 112 in the final minute, Kenneth Lofton Jr. scored to give the Grizzlies a late lead. But Smith answered with 3.2 seconds to go, and that set up overtime.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle opened the bonus period with a deep reserve group. It was close for the entire extra period, with Lofton Jr and Walker making plays for their teams.

Late in the frame, Smith went to the foul line with Indiana down by two. He missed the first free throw and tried to miss the second on purpose to get a rebound, but that strategy didn't work. Memphis held on to win 127-122.

After his slow start, Walker turned out to be a standout performer. He finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. His impact was widespread, and Indiana outscored Memphis in his minutes.

Sheppard finished with 15 points and Mathurin had 18. McConnell (11 points and eight assists) was impressive as well.

The Pacers next fit the floor on Tuesday when they play the Rockets in Houston. Their entire preseason slate can be found here.

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