The Highest Points Scored Against the Indiana Pacers in NBA History

Since joining the NBA in 1976, the Indiana Pacers have witnessed some of the league's most explosive individual scoring performances. From the ABA-to-NBA transition era through today's high-octane offenses, opposing stars have routinely used what is now known as Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the setting for career-defining nights.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 64 Points 

On December 13, 2023, Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered the highest-scoring performance in the Pacers' franchise history by an opposing player, erupting for 64 points at Fiserv Forum. The Greek Freak was absolutely unstoppable, shooting an incredible 20-of-28 from the field and 24-of-32 from the free throw line in just 37 minutes.

Giannis added 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and a block to his 64-point explosion in the Bucks' dominant 140–126 victory. What made the performance even more remarkable was Antetokounmpo’s offensive approach, as he attempted just three three-pointers and instead relied on his trademark drives to the basket and mid-range game to shred Indiana's defense.

This wasn't just the most points ever scored against the Pacers; it was also the highest-scoring game of Antetokounmpo’s career as the two-time MVP showcased why he is one of the most dominant forces in basketball.

2. Devin Booker - 62 Points

Just six weeks after Antetokounmpo’s record-setting night, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker came to Indianapolis and lit up the Pacers for 62 points on January 26, 2024. Booker shot an efficient 22-of-37 from the field, including 6-of-12 from three-point range, and knocked down 12-of-13 free throws in 38 minutes at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Booker added 5 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks to his highlight-filled night, but it was all for naught as the Pacers edged the Suns 133–131 in a thriller. 

This performance continued Booker's reputation as one of the league's elite scorers with his ability to score from all three levels, attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, and knocking down threes, carving up Indiana’s defense for the second-highest individual total against the Pacers.

3. Klay Thompson - 60 Points

While Antetokounmpo and Booker may have recorded more points, Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson delivered one of the most efficient high-scoring games in NBA history against the Pacers. On December 5, 2016, Thompson caught fire at Oracle Arena, torching Indiana for 60 points in just 29 minutes.

Thompson shot an amazing 21-of-33 from the field, including 8-of-14 from beyond the arc and 10-of-11 from the free throw line. He added 2 rebounds and an assist, going turnover-free in the Warriors' 142–106 blowout victory. 

What made this performance legendary was the efficiency with which he dominated the game. Thompson's 60 points in 29 minutes meant he was averaging over two points per minute, and he did it with the smooth, catch-and-shoot attack that has defined his career.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 55 Points 

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the 2025–26 season on October 23, 2025, by dropping a double nickel on the Pacers with 55 points. Playing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, SGA shot 15-of-31 from the field, 2-of-7 from three, and an impressive 23-of-26 from the free throw line in 45 minutes of action.

Gilgeous-Alexander added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block as the Thunder won 141–135 in double overtime to start their season 2–0 and hand the Pacers a season-opening loss. This performance, with his combination of crafty ball-handling, elite finishing, and ability to draw fouls, showcased why Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the league's premier scorers. 

4. George Gervin - 55 Points 

On January 23, 1980, long before the modern three-point era, San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin put on a classic scoring clinic against the Pacers. "The Iceman" poured in 55 points on 21-of-32 shooting, including 1-of-2 from three-point range (the two teams combined to shoot 4-10) and 12-of-15 from the free throw line in 39 minutes at Market Square Arena.

Gervin added 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block as the Spurs defeated the Pacers 144–130 in a game that highlighted Gervin's signature finger roll and mid-range mastery. This game came during Gervin's third straight season of leading the league in scoring (33.1). Despite an era in which hand-checking and physical defense were the norm, Gervin continued to find a way to score with ease and efficiency on a nightly basis. 

Written by Steve Lee

Life-long sports fan and avid basketball junkie in every sense of the word. The same passion he has for the Lakers (he has bled purple and gold since the days of Magic running Showtime!) translates to his extreme dislike for the Duke Blue Devils.