Bagley’s Dominant Double-Double Powers Wizards to Convincing 108-89 Victory Over Pacers, Snapping Four-Game Skid
In a surprising display of dominance on the road, the Washington Wizards (now 4-20) handed the Indiana Pacers (6-20) a lopsided 108-89 defeat on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Marvin Bagley III delivered a standout performance with a season-high 23 points and 13-14 rebounds, leading a balanced Wizards attack that outrebounded the Pacers 56-41 and held them to dismal shooting numbers. The win marked Washington’s first road victory in nearly two months—their previous away triumph came on October 24 against Dallas—and snapped a frustrating four-game losing streak.
The game was a tale of two struggling teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but the Wizards capitalized on Indiana’s offensive woes. The Pacers shot a season-low 36.9% from the field and a paltry 25.6% from beyond the arc, marking one of their worst shooting nights of the year. Washington, meanwhile, shot 46.1% overall and controlled the paint, turning 17 offensive rebounds into second-chance opportunities.
First Half: Wizards Build Momentum with Defensive Intensity
The contest started competitively, with the Pacers edging the first quarter. However, Washington flipped the script in the second period, outscoring Indiana 27-15 behind strong interior play. The Wizards closed the half on a decisive 13-4 run, taking a 58-47 lead into the locker room. Bagley was already asserting himself, attacking the rim and cleaning up misses, while the Pacers struggled to find rhythm without key players like Tyrese Haliburton (out for the season with a torn Achilles).
The Wizards’ defense was the story early on. They forced Indiana into contested shots and limited transition opportunities, holding the Pacers to inefficient possessions. Justin Champagnie, starting in place of injured forwards, provided a spark with his energy on the glass, grabbing multiple offensive boards that led to easy putbacks.
Third Quarter Run Seals the Deal
Washington carried that momentum into the third, quickly extending the lead to 66-51. The Pacers mounted a brief comeback, trimming the deficit to 66-58, but the Wizards responded with a quick 7-0 spurt to restore order. From there, Indiana never threatened again, as turnovers and missed threes piled up.
Bagley’s presence in the paint was overwhelming. He shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field, including several powerful dunks and hook shots over smaller defenders like Jay Huff. His 9 offensive rebounds alone matched much of Indiana’s team total, giving Washington extra possessions that proved crucial.
CJ McCollum, the veteran guard acquired in offseason trades, added 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting, providing steady scoring and playmaking. Rookie sensations like Kyshawn George contributed 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists—nearly recording a triple-double—showcasing the youth movement in Washington.
Key Performers and Stats Breakdown
Wizards Standouts:
- Marvin Bagley III: 23 points (9/14 FG, 5/10 FT), 14 rebounds (9 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block. His second double-double of the season was a season-high in points and a masterclass in rebounding dominance.
- CJ McCollum: 18 points (8/18 FG, 2/3 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists.
- Justin Champagnie: 13 points, 14 rebounds—a double-double off the bench that highlighted Washington’s depth on the boards.
- Tre Johnson: 14 points (including 3/4 from three), adding scoring punch.
- Bub Carrington: 11 points, 5 assists.
- Will Riley: 12 points.
The Wizards’ bench outscored Indiana’s reserves, and their 19 assists on 41 made field goals showed improved ball movement compared to recent losses.
Pacers Struggles:
- Bennedict Mathurin: 15 points (3/9 FG, 8/8 FT), team-high but inefficient.
- Jay Huff: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks—but couldn’t stop Washington’s interior attack.
- Jarace Walker: 12 points.
- Pascal Siakam: Just 11 points on 4/12 shooting, continuing a slump.
- Isaiah Jackson: 11 points, 12 rebounds—a bright spot in double figures rebounding.
Indiana’s stars underperformed collectively, with poor shooting from Andrew Nembhard (3/14) and others compounding the issues. Coach Rick Carlisle, one win shy of 1,000 career victories, saw his milestone delayed yet again as the Pacers fell to 6-20.
Team Stats Comparison:
| Category | Wizards | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 46.1% | 36.9% |
| 3-Point % | 35.7% | 25.6% |
| Free Throw % | 61.5% | 81.0% |
| Rebounds | 56 | 41 |
| Assists | 19 | 20 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Steals | 5 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 7 |
Washington’s rebounding edge (56-41) and ability to limit Indiana’s three-point attempts’ effectiveness were decisive.
Analysis: A Rare Bright Spot for Rebuilding Wizards
For a Wizards team mired in a rebuild, plagued by injuries to players like Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and others, this win was a statement. They played with energy and physicality, areas where they’ve struggled this season. Bagley’s resurgence—after being acquired in trades and dealing with inconsistent minutes earlier—could be a turning point. At 31 minutes played, he looked like the athletic big man who once dominated as a high draft pick.
The Pacers, meanwhile, continue to feel the absence of Haliburton and other injured pieces. Their offense, usually fast-paced, looked stagnant, relying too heavily on isolation plays that Washington disrupted.
This victory improves Washington’s road record to 2-11 and gives them momentum heading into the next game against San Antonio. For Indiana, a tough rematch with the Knicks looms.
Postgame Reactions and Implications
Though specific quotes were limited in reports, the Wizards’ effort spoke volumes. Bagley’s performance earned praise as a “throwback game” in some circles, reminding fans of his potential. Carlisle likely lamented the shooting woes, as the Pacers’ second-worst FG% of the season cost them dearly against a fellow lottery-bound team.
In a season where both squads are eyeing high draft picks, games like this provide valuable experience for young players. Kyshawn George’s near triple-double and Champagnie’s rebounding prowess highlight emerging talent in Washington.
Looking ahead, the Wizards continue their road trip Thursday in San Antonio, while the Pacers host the Knicks in a potential playoff preview rematch from last season—though both teams are far from contention this year.
This blowout win, powered by Bagley’s double-double and team rebounding, offers hope for Wizards fans in an otherwise challenging 2025-26 campaign. It was a complete performance: defensive grit, second-chance points, and efficient scoring when needed.
Leave a Reply