A thrilling opening night comeback fell just short for the Indiana Pacers, missed free throws haunting them down the stretch in a loss to the Washington Wizards. The Pacers trailed the entire game, but despite falling behind by 18 early in the fourth quarter, they still fought back, outscoring Washington 24-9 to make it a three point game with 31 seconds left.
Bennedict Mathurin scored five points in 15 seconds, but after getting a golden and one opportunity on his second basket, he missed the third of his three fourth quarter free throws, setting up Washington to close out the win.