Indiana Pacers nip past Toronto Raptors 114-111 in thrilling season opener

Pacers never trailed in the game and led by 15 points at halftime

Rookie Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 25 points, five rebounds and two assists

The Indiana Pacers opened their 2022-23 NBA season with a 114-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. The Pacers never trailed in the game and led by 15 points at halftime.

Rookie Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 25 points, five rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points and seven assists, while Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 18 points and six assists.

For the Raptors, Pascal Siakam led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet added 20 points and five assists, while Scottie Barnes chipped in with 19 points and nine rebounds.

The Pacers shot 47.6% from the field, including 38.5% from three-point range. The Raptors shot 44.7% from the field, including 33.3% from three-point range.

The Pacers outrebounded the Raptors 45-40 and had 15 assists to the Raptors' 14.

The Pacers will host the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Raptors will travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.