HOUSTON – Nate McMillan wanted to take a closer look at some of the youngest players, as well as newcomers to the team, in the first part of the Pacers. The veteran coach knows what he has with the elite player Victor Oladipo and the recurring core of last season was the surprise team of the NBA.

T. J. Leaf began. Doug McDermott played important minutes. And a healthy Edmond Sumner has been imposed at the Toyota Center against the Houston Rockets.

"The pre-season is about building rhythm and chemistry and getting ready for the opening night," McMillan said.

It was perhaps a pre-season game, but it really gave the impression of a regular season game. When Sumner made an acrobatic tally by leading the Pacers by four with 9:16 to play, his teammates jumped off the bench with enthusiasm. And a 3-pointer a minute later by T.J. Leaf rose to eight in advance.

These baskets were the impetus for Indiana's 110-100 win over Houston in the Pacers' first pre-season.

"It was our first test, and conditioning, we know we need to improve," McMillan said. "We did a lot of good things and we did things we had to work on."

Like committing 21 turnovers. The turnovers were however offset by the 24 points of Oladipo and a performance of 15 points and 12 rebounds of Domantas Sabonis. James Harden of the Rockets held 17 points and Chris Paul six points. Carmelo Anthony scored 16 points for Houston.

After recovering from a ripped ACL, Sumner showed what he was capable of when he was healthy. In 18 minutes, guard 6-6 scored 13 points on 6 of the 8 on the field.

"As long as I'm healthy, I know what I can do," Sumner said. "I know I belong. It's just for me to stay healthy. They know what I experienced last year. It was hard for me. The guys have encouraged me and encouraged me.

Sumner was explosive going to the rim and trying to stay on the roster early in the regular season.

"Tonight he did what he showed at training camp," McMillan said. "He showed no fear. Very aggressive with the ball and he is able to defend. "

The only representative that Sumner had with the second unit was Thursday night during the match.

Leaf, in his second year in Indiana, began as striker in place of injured Thaddeus Young, joining Oladipo, Darren Collison, Bojan Bogdanovic and center Myles Turner with the first unit. Young was disturbed by a bruise on his right foot throughout the training camp.

Goalkeeper Tyreke Evans, who played Memphis last season, did not play because of a sprained right ankle.

"We have guys coming back, but we have a number of guys that we have to incorporate into our play and spin style and see them win minutes," McMillan said. "McDermott is going to be tall. I want to see him play in all those pre-season games and Tyreke when he's ready. These guys are an important part of what we do and what we are going to do. We want to see them play. "

In 35 minutes, McDermott scored only two points on a shot on eight.

McDermott, who played for Dallas last season, is an excellent long range shooter able to space the floor and put pressure on opponents' defenses. He should benefit from playmakers like Oladipo and Evans.

"I can really shoot the ball. This is all of my strongest skills, with moving without a ball. In the league, shooting will be necessary, "McDermott said. "I am delighted to be part of this team and the organization."

Even if his shot was missed, for McDermott, Thursday's match was to assimilate into a new team. In addition to following a rhythm, get acquainted with his teammates, his sets and defensive patterns.

Leaf had 13 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes.

"It's something that happens when someone comes in front of you. We are a team of everyone, whether it's the first or the second unit. He has just finished a rookie season in which he averaged 8.6 minutes in 53 games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.5 rebounds. "Thad and I are different types of players. But we are going to do the same things, the same thing we always do. "

The Pacers will open their regular season Oct. 17 against Memphis at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.