McConnell Returns as Pacers Lead Wizards Halftime

On Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers led the Washington Wizards 55-50 during halftime thanks to a strong first-half performance and veteran guard T.J. McConnell's return. Playing just his third game of the season, McConnell received an ovation from home fans after scoring on a mid-range jumper before stealing the ball at midcourt and firing a no-look pass to Obi Toppin for a three-pointer. The first quarter featured six ties and eight lead changes until Indiana closed out the frame up by one point thanks to Jay Huff's reverse dunk off Andrew Nembhard. After taking a 26-25 lead into the second, Washington surged ahead with a 16-7 run before the Pacers responded with an attacking paint game led by Ivica Zubac and big steals from Kelly Oubre Jr. and Pascal Siakam that converted to baskets. Indiana finished the half up five points thanks to a 13-3 spurt featuring four steals for Oubre, who led all scorers in the first half on seven-of-ten shooting with fourteen points.