Hibbert leaves game early with injury as Pacers fall to Wizards 97-90
INDIANAPOLIS -- John Wall scored 18 points and Nene scored 17 to lead the Wizards over the Pacers 97-90 on Saturday night.
Washington held a 54-35 lead at halftime, but had to hold off a late charge by the Pacers. Indiana outscored Washington 30-19 in the third quarter to get close, but couldn't take the lead.
Marcin Gortat got into early foul trouble and had limited playing time. Paul Pierce scored 12 points and Kevin Serephin came off the bench to score 13.
Indiana center Roy Hibbert left the game with a bruised left knee with less than a minute to play in the first quarter and did not return. It was unclear how the injury occurred.
Solomon Hill led Indiana with a career-high 28 points, including 20 in the second half. Chris Copeland added 14.
Washington surged out to an early lead, going up 32-14 in the first quarter. Indiana managed to trim Washington's led to three, 81-78, with 8:17 to go. The Pacers went cold over the next 5 minutes shooting just 2 of 10.
The Pacers (1-6) match their worst start since they opened the 1993-94 season at 1-6. The worst start in team history came when Indiana opened the 1988-89 season 1-11.
With the win Washington earned its first regular season victory at Indiana since 2007, snapping an 11-game streak.
TIP-INS
Wizards: Washington won the turnover battle, 18-14, including forcing 10 in the first quarter and committing none. They scored 22 points off the turnovers. . Washington outscored the Pacers 48-34 in the paint.
Pacers: Indiana received a hardship exemption to allowing it to sign A.J. Price on Thursday. The hardship permits the roster to grow to 16, but only 10 dressed against the Wizards. .The Pacers held the Wizards' starters to just two second quarter points.
UP NEXT
Wizards: Host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Pacers: Host the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
