Haliburton and Toppin’s Recent Surge: A Closer Look at the Pacers Dynamic Duo
Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin have been on fire lately, and it’s not just because they’re making shots. Let’s dive into what’s really behind their improved play and what it means for the Indiana Pacers.
Haliburton’s last 10 games have been nothing short of impressive. Averaging 22.1 points and 8.6 assists on 50/41/87 shooting splits, he’s looking more like the player we saw last season. But what’s changed?
It’s not just about the ball going in. Haliburton’s shot selection and timing have improved significantly. He’s taking fewer shots after several dribbles and taking more catch-and-shoot opportunities. In fact, his catch-and-shoot percentage in the last 10 games is up to 19.1%, almost 2% over his season average.
Moreover, Haliburton is getting his shots up quicker within offensive sets. He’s taking fewer shots late in the shot clock, which has made him more threatening and efficient. This change in approach has made the Pacers offense feel more like last year’s dynamic attack.
Obi Toppin’s December has been equally impressive. After a slow start to the season, Toppin is now averaging 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on 54/32/91 splits this month. But again, it’s not just about making shots.
Toppin’s rebounding has been a game-changer. He’s averaging 6.4 rebounds per game in December, a significant jump from his earlier performances. This focus on the glass has allowed the Pacers to get into transition more effectively, perfectly complementing their pace-setting style.
The improved play of Haliburton and Toppin has coincided with better results for the Pacers. While they’re not quite where they want to be record-wise, the team is showing signs of the dynamic offense that made them so exciting last season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Haliburton and Toppin’s recent performances, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Should Bennedict Mathurin keep his starting spot when Aaron Nesmith returns?
• NBA ratings discussion: Why are they down and what can be done
