It’s hard to start much better than the Indiana Pacers did tonight; in fact, their 111-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies was the biggest opening night win in franchise history. The Pacers got there by controlling nearly every aspect of the game, from rebounding to fast breaks.
Indiana never trailed, expanding their lead to 25 late in the second quarter. The most precarious situation the Pacers found themselves in following the break was Memphis cutting the lead to 14 halfway through the third. Sloppy play was one of the only downsides Indiana had all night, and their stretches early in the first and third were the widest opportunities the Grizzlies had to capitalize.