Chris Duarte Shines in Rookie Debut for Indiana Pacers; NBA Fantasy Owners Take Notice

(Photo : Andy Lyons/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - Chris Duarte (#3) of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Indiana Pacers may have suffered a heart-breaking one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets in their season opener, but there were still plenty of positives for them to take in that stinging defeat. One of them was the outstanding play of rookie guard Chris Duarte, who stole the show in his debut game for the Pacers, making NBA Fantasy owners take notice as a result.

In his first start for Indiana, Duarte delivered the goods, recording 27 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 33 minutes of action. He shot 9 of 15 from the field and was sensational from beyond the arc, knocking down six of his nine three-point attempts.

Duarte makes history in debut game against Charlotte

Duarte entered the record books with that performance as his 27 points, and six-three-pointers were the most by a Pacers rookie in a debut game in franchise history. Duarte also became the first Pacers rookie since Jamaal Tinsley in 2002 to score at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five 3-pointers in a game.

After the loss to Charlotte, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle paid tribute to his star rookie, saying, "Chris Duarte had a really terrific game. He did what we needed him to do and that is to be a threat to score. He was solid on defense on a lot of possessions." Carlisle added that Duarte's effort was outstanding in his first night as a rookie in the NBA.

Pacers rookie Chris Duarte debuts with 11 points in the 1Q and 100% from 3PT pic.twitter.com/aAP3cTflH1
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 20, 2021

Duarte quickly showed he is not afraid of the bright lights, erupting for 11 points in the opening quarter. He was also dependable down the stretch, hitting back-to-back three-pointers in the closing minutes to give Indiana the lead. Unfortunately, the Pacers failed to hold on to the victory, with Domantas Sabonis missing a game-winning jump shot as time expired.

Duarte steps up big time in LeVert's absence

Duarte's offensive explosion was not a complete surprise, given that he was balling out for Indiana during the preseason. The No. 13 overall pick in this year's NBA draft averaged 13.8 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in four preseason games with the Pacers. He led the Pacers in scoring (55 points) and field goal and three-point attempts in their preseason campaign.

Pacers rookie Chris Duarte was LIGHTS OUT in his NBA debut.🔥🎯 pic.twitter.com/RtzKZj4tTE
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) October 21, 2021

Duarte's star turn has been timely for Indiana, with Caris Levert sidelined for the Pacers' first four regular-season games because of a stress fracture in his back. LeVert averaged 20.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 35 games for the Pacers last season. LeVert's debut for Indiana last season was also delayed after a cancerous mass was found on his left kidney after Indiana acquired him in a trade on January 21.