How Did Trail Blazers Destroy Pacers?

Like Indiana, Portland played its second game on a back-to-back schedule on Tuesday. However, the Trail Blazers' youth and insignificant roster injuries caused issues, as the Pacers couldn't keep up with such an explosive unit.

Indiana failed to get on the boards, as Portland dominated 51-39 regarding rebounds. Furthermore, Indiana shot an abysmal 27 percent from 3, while Portland converted 37.8 percent from such distance. Simply put, the Pacers didn't have it to keep pace with the Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers scored a game-high 11-0 run and led by as many as 25 points. The Pacers played behind the entire game due to only scoring 18 points in the opening quarter. Fittingly, as the game started, it ended. Portland outscored Indiana 34-23 in the fourth period. 

No Pacers player recorded a 20-point performance, indicating their lack of explosion and energy to create offense. Conversely, the Trail Blazers had two players who scored over 20 points.

January's Eastern Conference Defensive Player winner, Andrew Nembhard, scored a team-high 17 points. 

Meanwhile, Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons scored a game-high 22 points. 

The Pacers' schedule doesn't get easier, as their next three games come against playoff-level opponents. Indiana faces the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.