Ivica Zubac demonstrated his significant value to the Indiana Pacers during their 2026 season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, particularly after a motivating halftime message from coach Rick Carlisle. The first half saw Zubac underperform with only three rebounds, as the Pacers were outworked on the glass and trailed by 10 points. Carlisle highlighted the lack of intensity and poor rebounding as critical issues, sparking a spirited team discussion to raise their effort in the second half.

Responding to the coach’s halftime message, Zubac turned the game around with an impressive second-half performance. Within just minutes into the third quarter, he grabbed multiple rebounds that triggered fast-break opportunities for the Pacers. By the end of that quarter, he had pulled down seven rebounds alone, contributing to Indiana’s comeback by controlling possession and momentum. His physical presence and rebounding prowess were key factors in limiting the Pelicans’ boards and enabling the Pacers to close the gap.

Zubac’s dominance continued into the fourth quarter with five additional rebounds, helping the Pacers outscore the Pelicans by 10 points in the final frame. Finishing with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks, Zubac showed exactly why the Pacers acquired him in February 2026. Despite his slow start, his effort and energy after halftime exemplified the impact the team expected when trading for his elite rebounding and defensive capabilities.

The game serves as a statement that Zubac responds well to direct, passionate coaching—something he appreciates from his European roots and felt had been missing in his NBA experience until now. He acknowledged room for improvement, noting he could have grabbed even more rebounds with a stronger first half. With the Pacers starting their season 1-0, his performance underscores his vital role as the team’s defensive anchor and a catalyst for their rebounding strength moving forward.