A strong first half by the Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't see them home as the Indiana Pacers overcame a 11-point half time deficit to win the match 93-90.
Kiwi Steven Adams led from the front with 15 points and nine rebounds alongside Russell Westbrook to help the Thunder to a 52-41 lead at the main interval.
However Indiana's Paul George with 21 points and eight rebounds along with Jeff Teague's 17 points helped the Pacers to a 31 point third quarter which saw them overhaul the Thunder and help them hold on for victory.
It was an all-too-familiar story for the Thunder in the second half as they struggled with ball movement as well as their shooting. Enes Kanter's absence was once again felt as the visitors' bench brought little impetus onto the court, only contributing 23 points.
Westbrook was one assist short of his 26th triple-double this season but it was his inability to score when it counted, missing two 3-pointers in the final eight seconds that would have forced overtime.
Adams was also guilty of missing some key baskets in the third quarter and could have seen the Thunder retain some momentum.
It doesn't get any easier for the Thunder who will now head to Cleveland to face LeBron James' Cavaliers who scraped past the Washington Wizards after a magical three-pointer by James in the final three seconds sent the game into overtime.
The Cavaliers then went on to claim the win 140-135
Newshub.
