Jordan Nwora came off the bench and scored 18 points for the Indiana Pacers in their 121-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. It was the first road win for the franchise since December 23.
The game was the fourth for the Nigerian for the Pacers and he never held back scoring 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal in 21 minutes off the bench.
Myles Turner led the Pacers in scoring with 24 points and eight rebounds, Tyrese Haliburton had 15 points and 14 assists while Bennedict Mathurin scored 19 points. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 21 points. Paolo Banchero scored 19 points and Markelle Fultz 18.
Nwora who is in his third season in the NBA was traded to the Pacers on deadline day for Jae Crowder who moved to the Bucks. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle hailed the impact of Nwora and Jaren Smith off the bench.
“Jalen Smith and Nora really were exceptional off the bench,” Carlisle said after the win.
All-Star player Tyrese Haliburton also hailed Nwora and other players who came off the bench to help with the win.
“Our second unit really helped us today,” Haliburton said. “They have been struggling of late, just getting comfortable playing with each other. I thought they were really good today.”