The Indiana Pacers triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets with a score of 105-99 after a heated overtime encounter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 20, 2025. The game was marked by intense competition and several in-game altercations, highlighting the rivalry between the two teams.
Bennedict Mathurin emerged as the standout player, achieving a game-high 28 points along with 16 rebounds. He demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 10 for 17 from the field and connecting on 2 for 4 from three-point range. However, it was not just Mathurin who showcased his prowess; the Pacers’ center, Myles Turner, also made a significant impact. He contributed 23 points, claimed 10 rebounds, and blocked five shots, playing a crucial role in the team’s victory.
The match turned particularly contentious towards the end of the fourth quarter when an altercation broke out. After Mathurin scored, Nets player Trendon Watford barreled into Pacers’ guard Andrew Nembhard, prompting Turner to respond aggressively by shoving Watford. This action ignited a shoving match, leading to Watford’s ejection and four technical fouls being issued to various players involved in the scuffle. Nembhard was also ejected later for disputing a call.
Alongside Mathurin and Turner’s performances, the Nets saw Ziaire Williams and D’Angelo Russell each notch 22 points, but their efforts were not enough to secure a win. The Pacers outscored the Nets 14-8 during overtime, fostering a comeback after trailing 52-42 at halftime. The teams are scheduled to clash again on March 22, 2025, at 5 PM Eastern Time.
In another match that evening, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Toronto Raptors, emerging victorious with a narrow 117-114 win. This victory was bittersweet for the Warriors as they lost their star player, Stephen Curry, to a pelvic contusion in the game's second half. Prior to his injury, Curry scored 17 points in just 15 minutes on the floor.
Jimmy Butler had an impressive performance, registering his second triple-double with the Warriors, scoring 18 points, collecting 11 rebounds, and distributing 12 assists. Draymond Green also contributed significantly with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Quinten Post sank six three-pointers for a total of 18 points, underscoring his growing role in the team.
The Raptors’ Scottie Barnes was effective for his team, putting up 29 points and 10 rebounds, alongside Immanuel Quickley’s 21 points and Jakob Poeltl’s 18. Despite their efforts, the Raptors could not overcome the Warriors’ lead, culminating in a hard-fought battle.
In other notable results from March 20, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-89 in a game where Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 23. The Lakers were missing key players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic due to injuries, which affected their performance and led to the end of their nine-game home winning streak. Bronny James, however, made a splash with a career-high 17 points, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season for the Lakers.
The Charlotte Hornets secured a commendable victory over the New York Knicks, finalizing the score at 115-98. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 25 points and eight assists, supported by solid performances from Mark Williams and Miles Bridges.
This night of basketball encapsulated the spirit of competition and the unpredictable nature of the NBA, with thrilling moments and stunning performances that promise exciting rematches in the near future.
