Indiana Pacers struggle mightily in loss vs. Washington Wizards. A battle between the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference ended in a blowout.

Indiana Pacers Struggle Mightily in Blowout Loss to Washington Wizards

On a chilly Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, what was billed as a matchup between the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference turned into a one-sided affair that exposed the Indiana Pacers’ deep-seated issues. The Washington Wizards, entering the game with just three wins and riding a four-game losing streak, dominated from start to finish, handing the Pacers a humiliating 108-89 defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 14, 2025. The 19-point margin felt even larger, as the Pacers never truly threatened after the first quarter, shooting a dismal 36.9% from the field and 25.6% from three—their second- and third-worst marks of the season.

The game was a stark reminder of how far the Pacers have fallen from their status as reigning Eastern Conference champions. Plagued by injuries—most notably the season-ending torn Achilles to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton—the Pacers looked disjointed, out of sync, and utterly overmatched against a Wizards team that, despite its own struggles, played with energy and physicality.

Pre-Game Context: Two Teams at Rock Bottom

Heading into the contest, both squads were mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards sat at 3-20, dead last, while the Pacers were just ahead at 6-19. Indiana had been favored by as much as 9 points in some lines, largely due to playing at home and a previous 33-point blowout win over Washington on November 28. But the Pacers were coming off a tough loss to the Philadelphia 76ers two days earlier, and the absence of key players continued to weigh heavily.

Rick Carlisle’s squad has used a league-high 22 players this season, a testament to the injury bug that has decimated the roster. Without Haliburton orchestrating the offense, the Pacers have struggled to maintain their high-paced, efficient style that carried them to the NBA Finals last year. Meanwhile, the Wizards, under interim leadership and focused on developing young talent, were desperate for a road win—their first in nearly two months.

First Half: Wizards Establish Dominance Early

The game started competitively, with 12 lead changes and two ties in the opening quarters. But Washington began to pull away late in the second, closing the half on a 13-4 run to take a 58-47 lead into the locker room. Marvin Bagley III was already making his presence felt, attacking the paint and cleaning the glass against Indiana’s depleted frontcourt.

The Pacers’ offense was stagnant. Pascal Siakam, the team’s leading healthy scorer, managed just a few points on inefficient shots. Bennedict Mathurin, often the spark off the bench, couldn’t find his rhythm. Andrew Nembhard, back from a calf injury, distributed the ball but couldn’t generate much scoring himself. Indiana shot under 40% in the first half, turning the ball over repeatedly and failing to capitalize on transition opportunities.

Third Quarter: The Blowout Begins

Any hopes of a Pacers comeback were extinguished early in the third. The Wizards opened with an 8-4 spurt, pushing the lead to 66-51. Indiana briefly cut it to eight points at 66-58, but Washington responded with a quick 7-0 run, restoring double-digit separation. The Wizards’ defense smothered Indiana’s ball-handlers, forcing bad shots and turnovers. Washington dominated the boards, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds overall, leading to second-chance points that the Pacers couldn’t match.

Bagley III was unstoppable in the paint, finishing drives and converting putbacks. Justin Champagnie, a surprise starter, crashed the glass relentlessly for 14 rebounds. Rookie sensations like Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George contributed timely buckets and assists, showing poise beyond their years.

For the Pacers, Jay Huff provided some spark with three-pointers, and Isaiah Jackson battled for rebounds, but it wasn’t nearly enough. The home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse grew restless, booing several possessions as the offense devolved into isolation plays and forced shots.

Fourth Quarter: Garbage Time in Indianapolis

By the start of the fourth, the lead had ballooned to over 20 points, and both coaches emptied their benches. Washington’s reserves, including Tre Johnson and Will Riley, continued to score efficiently, while Indiana’s depth players like Jarace Walker and Johnny Furphy offered little resistance. The final margin of 19 points flattered the Pacers slightly—it could have been worse.

Key Performances and Stats Breakdown

Washington Wizards Standouts:

• Marvin Bagley III: Season-high 23 points (9-14 FG), 14 rebounds (9 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block. A monster double-double that controlled the interior.
• Justin Champagnie: 13 points, 14 rebounds—a career effort in rebounding.
• CJ McCollum: 18 points (8-18 FG, 2-3 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists. Steady veteran presence.
• Tre Johnson: 14 points off the bench on efficient shooting.
• Team: 46% FG, 36% 3PT, 56 rebounds (17 offensive), only 11 turnovers.

Indiana Pacers Disappointments:

• Bennedict Mathurin: 15 points (3-9 FG, 8-8 FT), 4 rebounds—led the team but inefficient.
• Jay Huff: 13 points (3-7 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 blocks—some positives but limited impact.
• Isaiah Jackson: 11 points, 12 rebounds—fought hard on the glass.
• Pascal Siakam: Just 11 points (4-12 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists—quiet night for the All-Star.
• Andrew Nembhard: 7 points (3-14 FG), 6 assists—no scoring punch.
• Team: 37% FG, 26% 3PT, 41 rebounds (11 offensive), 8 turnovers but poor execution.

The Wizards’ rebounding edge (56-41) and second-chance points were decisive. Indiana’s shooting woes—particularly from beyond the arc—doomed any comeback attempts.

Why the Pacers Struggled So Mightily

This loss wasn’t just about one bad game; it encapsulated the Pacers’ season-long frustrations:

1. Injury Devastation: Without Haliburton, the offense lacks creativity and pace. The team has relied heavily on Siakam and Mathurin, but neither could carry the load against Washington’s physical frontcourt.
2. Defensive Lapses: The Pacers allowed Washington—one of the league’s worst offenses—to shoot 46% and dominate the paint. Bagley and Champagnie feasted on offensive rebounds.
3. Lack of Cohesion: With so many players in and out of the lineup, chemistry is nonexistent. The offense often stalled into hero ball, with poor spacing and forced shots.
4. Mental Fragility: As defending conference champs, the expectations are high, but this team looks defeated. The blowout at home against the league’s worst team is a low point.

Rick Carlisle, chasing his 1,000th career win (delayed yet again), has preached patience and “sum-of-the-parts” play, but Sunday showed how far the Pacers are from that ideal.

Implications Moving Forward

For the Wizards, this win—snapping a skid and earning a rare road victory—provides a morale boost. Young players like Carrington, George, and Johnson showed flashes, hinting at a brighter future in a rebuild year.

For the Pacers, questions abound. Falling to perhaps 6-20 (records vary slightly in reports), they’re firmly in the lottery conversation despite last year’s Finals run. Health is the biggest factor—when will players return? Can Siakam sustain All-Star level play as the primary option? Will the front office make moves ahead of the trade deadline?

Indiana hosts the New York Knicks next in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals—a game that now feels worlds away from this reality.

This blowout wasn’t just a loss; it was a statement about how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. The Pacers, once kings of the East, are now struggling mightily, and Sunday’s embarrassment against the Wizards underscored just how deep the hole is.