What happened: Pacers rookie Braden Smith recorded 19 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block in his first career NBA start, a double-double against the Hawks. He shot 8-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range.

Why it matters: Smith entered the night averaging 4.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 2026-27 through 5 games, so the start marked a sharp jump in role and output. The Indianapolis native signed with the Pacers in August.

What to watch: Whether Smith holds the starting role will show in the Pacers' next lineup.