Did you catch the Pacers' game on Monday? It was a heartbreaker, as turnovers turned a tight contest into a 113-104 loss to the Sixers. But here's where it gets controversial: could the Pacers have pulled off the win if they had just taken better care of the ball?
On January 19, 2026, at 9:39 p.m. ET, the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Indiana Pacers at XFinity Mobile Arena. The dynamic duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey dominated, combining for 59 points to secure the victory. Embiid dropped 30 points, while Maxey, fresh off his All-Star starter selection, added 29 points, eight assists, and an impressive eight steals. This win boosted the 76ers to a 23-18 record, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers dropped to 10-34, remaining at the bottom of the East.
The Pacers' struggles were evident in their 24 turnovers, which the 76ers capitalized on for 28 points. Despite this, the Pacers showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second quarter, where they held the 76ers to just 17 points. They also outperformed Philadelphia from the 3-point line, matched their field goal percentage, and won the rebounding battle. And this is the part most people miss: the Pacers were in control for much of the game, even leading by as many as 10 points in the second quarter.
However, the turnover issue became insurmountable in the fourth quarter. With the game tied at 88 and 9:02 remaining, the 76ers went on a 19-3 run over the next six minutes, effectively sealing the deal with a 107-91 lead at the 3:08 mark. The Pacers' nine turnovers in the fourth quarter alone were a stark contrast to the 76ers' nine turnovers for the entire game, which the Pacers only converted into seven points. Is it fair to say the Pacers gave this game away, or were the 76ers simply too dominant in the clutch?
One bright spot for the Pacers was center Tony Bradley, who provided a much-needed defensive presence against Embiid. In the second quarter, Bradley held Embiid scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting while contributing six points of his own, including a highlight-reel fast-break dunk. Bradley's performance was a reminder of why the Pacers value his presence, even on a 10-day contract. But here’s a thought: if Bradley can slow down a player like Embiid, why isn’t he getting more consistent minutes?
Another standout was T.J. McConnell, who returned to Philadelphia, where he began his NBA journey as an undrafted free agent. McConnell’s mid-range game was on point, scoring 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while also dishing out three assists and adding a steal and a block. His performance was a testament to his growth and resilience in an 11-year career. Does McConnell’s success story make you wonder how many other undrafted players are out there waiting for their chance to shine?
As the Pacers continue their five-game road trip, they’ll need to address their turnover issues if they hope to turn their season around. Meanwhile, the 76ers are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in the East. What do you think? Are the Pacers’ struggles a result of bad luck, or is there a deeper issue at play? Let us know in the comments!
