On March 4, 2025, the Indiana Pacers secured a solid victory over the Houston Rockets, winning 115-102. This matchup took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and was integral for both teams, each hunting for momentum as they headed down the home stretch of the NBA season.
The Pacers, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton, controlled the game for most of the evening. Haliburton delivered an impressive performance, scoring 28 points and providing 15 assists, all with just one turnover. His leadership on the court became especially apparent late in the game when the Rockets appeared to stage a comeback, taking the lead briefly at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
It was during this tense moment of the game when the Pacers executed a game-changing 13-0 run, which reestablished their dominance. "We knew we had to regroup after losing the lead; we executed our plays perfectly during the run," Haliburton noted after the game, reflecting on the pivotal moment.
Despite the success, the game wasn't without its challenges. The Pacers had initially built up to a 17-point lead earlier due to strong performances from Myles Turner and Obi Toppin, but the Rockets tested their resolve as they clawed back. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 25 points, providing much-needed scoring alongside support from Jalen Green's contributions.
Both teams exhibited differing fortunes at the charity stripe. The Rockets struggled, shooting just 50% from free throws, leaving 13 points on the board which could have tied the game. Their rookie Reed Sheppard missed both of his attempts, and even with Dillon Brooks being the standout for Houston at the free-throw line, the team collectively faltered. On the opposite end, the Pacers capitalized on their chances, shooting 100% from the line thanks to Haliburton and others who consistently found ways to draw fouls.
Rebounding proved to be another area of concern for the Pacers, as they were soundly beaten 41-72 on the boards. Andrew Nembhard was the Pacers’ leading rebounder with just six rebounds, whereas Houston had several players outperforming him, including Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, both hitting double figures. This effort defined Houston's aggressive style, as they lead the Western Conference with offensive rebounds averaging 14.6 per game. Yet, the rebounding disparity did not severely affect the outcome, as the Pacers limited the Rockets' second-chance points during several key stretches of the game.
The Pacers showcased their strengths, shooting 40.5% as a team, and effectively neutralizing the opposition’s offensive rebounds when it counted. Their recent revival has included strong performances at home, with the Pacers now owning an 18-10 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This victory also marks their continued push to solidify their playoff positioning; they have been playing .500 basketball or even more effectively since overcoming early season struggles.
Looking ahead, the Pacers are scheduled to face the Atlanta Hawks on March 6, 2025. This game will be another chance for them to build on their momentum as they compete for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Rockets, now facing their eighth consecutive road loss, will need to reassess their strategy as they prepare for their matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance but must consistently deliver if they hope to secure adequate playoff positioning.
With their next matchups looming, the Battle for playoff positions remains fierce. The Pacers look to continue their upward trend, and the Rockets must quickly turn around their fortunes if they wish to stay relevant this season.