Indiana Pacers fall to Timberwolves 114-98 in Summer League loss

Indiana Pacers fall to Timberwolves in Summer League clash

The Indiana Pacers suffered their fourth straight Summer League defeat on Wednesday, dropping a 114-98 decision to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas. Indiana’s record now stands at 1-4 after the loss, extending their losing streak to four games. The Pacers’ last win came on July 12, when they topped the Orlando Magic 98-87. Last result: Indiana Pacers 121-133 Detroit Pistons (2026-04-12).

What went wrong for Indiana?

Indiana started fast but couldn’t sustain the lead. The Pacers raced out to a 22-21 advantage with 2:10 left in the first quarter, but Minnesota quickly erased it. By the end of the opening frame, the Timberwolves led 35-24, and Indiana never recovered. The Pacers spent most of the game chasing the deficit, which ballooned to double digits by halftime. Minnesota’s perimeter shooting and transition game proved too much for Indiana’s Summer League roster.

Braden Smith, the Pacers’ second-round pick from Purdue, turned in a balanced line: eight points, six rebounds, and eight assists on 50% shooting. His Summer League averages now sit at 7.2 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, though his field-goal percentage sits at just 27%. Smith’s playmaking stood out, but Indiana’s offense lacked rhythm beyond Jalen Slawson’s burst.

Who carried Indiana’s offense?

Jalen Slawson was the lone bright spot for Indiana, dropping 20 points and pulling down nine rebounds. The 6-foot-7 forward also added three assists and four blocks, dominating the paint and perimeter in stretches. His 20.5-point average leads the Pacers in Summer League play, but Wednesday’s loss showed how much Indiana leans on him. Taelon Peter chipped in nine points, including three triples, but the Pacers’ supporting cast couldn’t match Minnesota’s firepower.

What’s next for the Pacers?

Indiana’s Summer League slate wraps up with one game remaining, though the schedule hasn’t been finalized. The Pacers’ coaching staff will use the rest of the week to evaluate rookies and second-year players like Smith and Slawson. With a 1-4 record, the focus shifts to development ahead of training camp. The Pacers’ recent form-four losses in a row-highlights the work still needed before the 2026-27 season tips off. Their next outing will be critical for building momentum.