INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers showcased their prowess on Sunday with a convincing 129-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, propelled by Tyrese Haliburton's outstanding performance. Haliburton notched his 16th double-double of the season, scoring 29 points and distributing 12 assists, underscoring his role as the team's linchpin.
During the pivotal third quarter, Haliburton exploded for 17 points, guiding the Pacers to take control of the game with a substantial 101-83 lead. His shooting was efficient, hitting 9 of 14 attempts overall, including four 3-pointers. The Pacers, who boast the best home record at 16-5 so far, saw impressive contributions from their bench, with seven players scoring in double figures.
Returning from injury, Myles Turner made his presence felt by adding 17 points, playing effectively after missing three games due to a cervical strain. The short-handed Clippers, on the other hand, faced challenges as they were without their leading scorer, Norman Powell, suffering from left knee soreness, and No. 3 scorer, Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined due to left foot soreness.
James Harden stepped up for the Clippers, attempting to fill the scoring void with 31 points and 11 assists, going 9 of 17 from the field. His dynamic play included six 3-pointers; nonetheless, the lack of available scoring options became increasingly evident as Los Angeles struggled to keep pace.
Haliburton’s hot hand was undeniable, particularly as he hit three consecutive 3-pointers during third-quarter possessions, turning the tide significantly for Indiana. The Pacers outscored the Clippers 35-28 during this quarter, displaying exceptional shooting with 13 of 20 shots made.
Despite the Clippers’ efforts to rebound, Ivica Zubac's contribution of 22 points provided only temporary relief. The absence of Powell and Leonard limited the team's offensive capabilities, leading to their steady decline throughout the game.
With their third consecutive victory, the Pacers find themselves at 32-23 for the season, positioning themselves favorably for the upcoming games. Coach and players acknowledged the importance of maintaining momentum, especially with two more home games approaching.
“It’s an ideal time to make a run, with two more home games this week and Indiana riding a three-game winning streak,” stated Haliburton after the game, emphasizing the team's confidence.
The Clippers, now standing at 31-25, will look to rebound quickly, visiting Detroit next on the schedule. The lack of depth against the Pacers exemplified the urgent need for key players’ recovery as they aim to regain their winning form.
Indiana's noteworthy shooting performance, finishing at 54.8 percent (46-of-84), showcased their offensive flow, and this victory could serve as a launching point for their aspirations moving forward this season. The Pacers’ collective energy and offensive efficiency proved too much for their adversaries on this day, leading to a definitive win at home, one they hope to replicate against the Denver Nuggets on Monday.