The NBA preseason brought fans two instant classics on Wednesday night, as both the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls pulled off statement wins that had the basketball world buzzing.
While it’s “just preseason,” the energy, storylines, and star power made the night feel like a preview of what’s to come in the 2025–26 season.
🔹 Pacers vs Timberwolves: A Midwestern Showdown With Regular Season Intensity
The Pacers entered the Target Center in Minneapolis looking to shake off the heartbreak of their Game 7 Finals loss to Oklahoma City. Across from them stood the Minnesota Timberwolves, a hungry team coming off a strong 2024–25 campaign, powered by Anthony Edwards’ rise to superstardom.
What followed was a gritty, highlight-filled 48-minute (and then some) battle that ended with Indiana outlasting Minnesota, 112–108.
Anthony Edwards looked every bit like a franchise player, finishing with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, torching defenders from deep and attacking the rim relentlessly. But Indiana’s veteran poise and depth made the difference.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 28 points and 12 assists, rediscovering his rhythm and orchestrating Indiana’s offense like a maestro. Pascal Siakam added 22 and 8 on efficient shooting, while Obi Toppin turned in a vintage high-flying performance with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
Minnesota led early behind strong stretches from Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, but Indiana’s second-half run — capped by a Haliburton step-back and Siakam’s late block — sealed the win. The Pacers’ balance, composure, and free-throw consistency (40% from deep, 50% from the field) gave them the edge in a game that felt anything but meaningless.
Final Score: Pacers 112, Timberwolves 108
Top Performers:
- Tyrese Haliburton: 28 PTS, 12 AST, 4 REB
- Pascal Siakam: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
- Anthony Edwards: 32 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
For Indiana, this wasn’t just a win — it was reassurance that last year’s Finals run was no fluke.
🔹 Bulls vs Cavaliers: Chicago’s New Spark Steals the Show
Over in Chicago, the Bulls and Cavaliers renewed one of the Midwest’s fiercest rivalries — and the Bulls shocked Cleveland, 105–102, in what might be the most encouraging sign yet of their resurgence.
After falling behind early to Donovan Mitchell’s flamethrower first quarter, Chicago’s second unit — and Lonzo Ball, in his long-awaited return — changed the energy completely. Ball’s playmaking and defensive control sparked a 20–8 second-quarter run, helping the Bulls tie the game at halftime.
Zach LaVine rediscovered his All-Star form, dropping 26 points on 50% shooting, while Coby White played the closer role with 18 and the dagger three that sealed the game. Nikola Vučević chipped in a 16-point double-double, dominating late against Jarrett Allen.
Cleveland, led by Mitchell’s 30 points, saw strong efforts from Evan Mobley (14 & 11) and Darius Garland (18 & 8), but their second-quarter turnovers and late-game misfires cost them.
This wasn’t just a preseason win for Chicago — it was a statement. A reminder that when healthy, the Bulls can hang with the East’s elite.
Final Score: Bulls 105, Cavaliers 102
Top Performers:
- Zach LaVine: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
- Coby White: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST
- Donovan Mitchell: 30 PTS, 6 AST
With Ball healthy, LaVine locked in, and their defense sharper, Chicago suddenly looks… interesting.
🔹 Big Picture Takeaway
Preseason or not, both Indiana and Chicago showed signs of teams that can shake up their conferences.
The Pacers look ready to defend their Eastern dominance behind Haliburton’s playmaking, while the Bulls may have found their rhythm — and identity — again.
The Midwest is waking up.
And if this night was any sign, the regular season is going to be electric.
