Pacers lose to Hawks despite $178 million in missing salaries
Jay Huff scored 22 points as an undermanned Indiana squad fell 108-104, their fifth consecutive defeat.
By Rafael Bailey ·
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers 108-104 on Monday night, ending Indiana's brief competitive run against a severely depleted roster. The loss marks the fifth straight game for the Pacers, a stretch that began with a heavy toll of injuries and rest decisions.
The financial gap between the two teams was stark. The Pacers had players on the court who collectively earned approximately $15 million, while the eleven sidelined teammates represented a combined salary of about $193 million. This disparity highlights the depth issue facing Indiana as it navigates the second night of a back-to-back schedule.
Jay Huff led the Pacers with 22 points, providing the primary offensive spark for a team that relied on five players for most of the contest. Quenton Jackson added 20 points, and Braden Smith contributed 19 points and 10 assists. Jarace Walker played 44 minutes, the most on the team, while Jackson logged 34 minutes. These four players formed the core of the Indiana effort, supplemented briefly by two-way contractsmen Jalen Slawson and Kobe Brown.
The Hawks avoided a blowout thanks to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored 34 points. Atlanta was also missing key personnel, including Jalen Johnson, who sprained his left ankle. Despite their own absences, the Hawks maintained a lead for the majority of the game, trailing by no more than 15 points at any point in the first three quarters.
Indiana mounted a late surge that kept the game within reach until the final minute. Jackson stole the ball from Alexander-Walker and converted a layup to cut the deficit to 106-104 with 1:36 remaining. However, a missed three-pointer by Jackson with 43.1 seconds left allowed the Hawks to regain control. Onyeka Okongwu sank a jumper with 10.2 seconds on the clock to secure the final margin.
Coach Rick Carlisle attributed the absences to injury management. The bench was limited to Kobe Brown, a two-way player who scored 16 points. The Pacers will travel to Memphis on Wednesday, while the Hawks head to Washington for their next matchup.
