Pacers Rout Heat 123-99 Behind Nembhard’s Stellar Performance

11 January 2026 Basketball Matches

Introduction: A Much-Needed Victory for Indiana

The Indiana Pacers snapped their seven-game home losing streak with an emphatic 123-99 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Andrew Nembhard had 29 points and nine assists, Aaron Nesmith added 12 points and nine rebounds before an early exit and the Indiana Pacers routed the Miami Heat 123-99 on Saturday night. This decisive win holds significant importance for the struggling Pacers, who entered the game with a disappointing 7-31 record, while the Heat came in at 20-17, looking to maintain their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Dominant Performance from Start to Finish

They used first-quarter runs of 12-2 and 9-0 to build an early 28-12 cushion. The Pacers never looked back, maintaining control throughout the contest. The Pacers never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the game. Indiana’s offensive firepower was on full display, as the Pacers made 17 3-pointers, one short of their season high, with Nembhard matching his season best with four. Backup guard Micah Potter contributed significantly off the bench with 14 points and four three-pointers. Miami struggled offensively, with Tyler Herro had 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists on a night Miami shot just 39.1% from the field.

Significance and Looking Ahead

Indiana matched its longest winning streak of the season with a rare second straight victory, this time taking the easy route. This victory follows the Pacers’ breakthrough 114-112 win over Charlotte that ended their 13-game losing streak. For Miami, this lopsided defeat represents a setback in their quest for playoff seeding. The Heat will need to regroup quickly as they head to Oklahoma City next, while the Pacers will look to build momentum when they host the Boston Celtics on Monday. This matchup demonstrates that even struggling teams can deliver when everything clicks, offering hope for Indiana’s difficult season ahead.