Johnny Furphy Flashes His Upside in Career Night Against Pelicans
It’s just one game, sure-but for Johnny Furphy and the Indiana Pacers, Saturday night felt like a glimpse into what could be. The second-year wing came off the bench and delivered his most impressive performance yet, scoring 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting in just 23 minutes during Indiana’s 128-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Furphy didn’t just get hot-he looked confident, decisive, and efficient. And for a player who’s been fighting to carve out a role, that matters.
A Breakthrough After a Bumpy Start
Let’s be real: Furphy’s season didn’t exactly get off to a flying start. He logged just a single minute in the Pacers’ opener against Oklahoma City and then missed 18 games with a foot and ankle injury. Even when he was available, he struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 2 points and 1.9 rebounds on under 39% shooting in limited minutes.
But Saturday night was different. Furphy looked like he belonged.
He moved well off the ball, knocked down shots with confidence, and gave the Pacers a spark off the bench. It wasn’t just a box score performance-it was the kind of outing that makes coaches and front offices take notice.
And Indiana has already shown it believes in him.
The Pacers Have High Hopes for Furphy
Pacers GM Chad Buchanan has been bullish on Furphy’s development since the offseason. Back in July, he pointed to the Australian wing’s growth from last year’s Summer League to now, highlighting his improved physicality and off-ball instincts.
“We like that physicality that he brings,” Buchanan said on the Setting the Pace podcast. “As his body catches up to his playstyle, I think he can be very impactful for us playing off the ball with his cutting and transition game.”
That’s the vision-and Furphy’s skill set fits it. At 6-foot-8, he brings size and athleticism to the wing.
He’s not just a shooter or a slasher-he’s a high-motor player who thrives in transition, makes smart cuts, and competes on the defensive end. He’s shown flashes of being a high-IQ player who can read the game, position himself well, and make the extra play.
And let’s not forget-he just turned 21 on December 8. He’s still incredibly young, and he fits right into Indiana’s long-term timeline.
Summer League Signs and a Highlight Dunk
This isn’t the first time Furphy has turned heads. During Summer League action earlier this year, he averaged 11.3 points on 52% shooting, along with 4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and a steal per game. He even delivered one of the most memorable moments of the summer with a thunderous poster dunk that made the rounds on social media.
That kind of athleticism and energy is hard to ignore. Combine that with his size, effort, and growing feel for the game, and you’ve got a player who could be more than just a spark plug off the bench-he could be a long-term piece for a Pacers team that’s building something intriguing.
What’s Next?
It’s too early to make sweeping declarations about Furphy’s future, but Saturday’s performance was a reminder of why Indiana invested in him. He’s got the tools, the motor, and now, he’s starting to show the production.
If Furphy can stay healthy and continue to earn minutes, he could become a real contributor for the Pacers-maybe not as a star, but as a valuable rotation player who does the little things, plays with energy, and makes winning plays.
For now, all eyes will be on how he builds off this breakout. But one thing’s clear: Johnny Furphy is officially on the radar.