Nesmith scores a career-high 27 points to lead Pacers past Bulls 127-112

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) reaches for a rebound against Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith drives the ball into the defense of Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots while being defended by Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton warms up on the court before an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard prepares to make a pass during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins (12) is defended by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Chicago Bulls forward Talen Horton-Tucker (22) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith drives into Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins en route to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) and Chicago Bulls guard Coby White battle for control of the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam makes a move around the defense of Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

By PHILLIP B. WILSON

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Aaron Nesmith scored a career-high 27 points, Pascal Siakam added 20 and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Chicago Bulls 127-112 on Sunday night.

Nesmith, a fifth-year guard who returned in January after missing 30 games with an ankle injury, shot 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Three of those came in the third quarter, when he scored 13 points.

Tyrese Haliburton had his fifth consecutive double-double for Indiana with 17 points and 12 assists. The Pacers, who outscored the Bulls 32-20 in the final quarter, had all five starters score in double digits.

Coby White led the Bulls with 26 points, including 20 in the first half. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis each had 18.

Takeaways

Bulls: Although Chicago has more road wins (13) than at home (11), the Bulls’ away record dropped to 13-16. The Bulls can score in spurts, but don’t defend well.

Pacers: Now 18-7 in 2025, Indiana improved its home record to 19-10. And Nesmith’s resurgence provides more scoring punch from a player known for defense.

Key moment

Nesmith sank 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions to give the Pacers their largest lead at 90-79 in the third quarter.

Key stat

The Pacers’ reserves outscored the Bulls 11-4 at the start of the fourth quarter to give them a 106-96 lead.

Up next

The Bulls host Cleveland on Tuesday, the same night the Pacers host Houston.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba