What happened: Braden Smith delivered 16 points and 10 assists in his first career NBA start for Indiana. Smith hit a baseline fadeaway jumper and orchestrated the offense, finding Isaiah Jackson for a late transition basket to cut the deficit to three points. The rookie guard handled heavy minutes as Indiana leaned on a shortened six-man rotation.

Why it matters: Smith stepped into the starting five and immediately showcased poise as a primary distributor under expanded responsibility. The Purdue product, whom the Pacers listed as No. 3 for Year 1, proved capable of generating high-percentage looks against defensive pressure.

What to watch: Indiana continues regular-season play as team personnel monitor backcourt rotations and Smith's expanded role.