Pacers Bounce Back with Impressive Win Over Celtics, Haliburton Shines
The Indiana Pacers made a statement on Sunday night, bouncing back from a tough loss to defeat the Boston Celtics and win the season series. This victory was fueled by an exceptional performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who showcased a side of his game we’ve rarely seen before.
Haliburton’s Dominant Display
Haliburton led all scorers with 31 points, matching Jaylen Brown’s output but doing so more efficiently. What made this performance truly special was how Haliburton achieved it. He shot an uncharacteristic 1-for-6 from three-point range, instead dominating inside the arc and at the free-throw line.
This marked only the third time in Haliburton’s career that he’s scored over 25 points while making one or fewer three-pointers. His 10 made two-point field goals tied a career-high, and his nine free throw attempts highlighted his aggressive approach to attacking the rim.
Haliburton’s ability to adapt his game and still dominate against one of the league’s best defenses is a testament to his growth as a player throughout the season. His performance was particularly timely, coming in clutch moments during the fourth quarter when the Celtics threatened to take control.
Pacers’ Defensive Stand
While Haliburton’s offense stole the show, the Pacers defense in the fourth quarter was equally crucial to securing the win. After the Celtics cut the lead to just two points with 7:38 remaining, Indiana locked in defensively.
For over four minutes, the Pacers held the high-powered Celtics offense scoreless, forcing missed shots and turnovers. This defensive stand allowed Indiana to build a comfortable lead and ultimately close out the game.
This defensive effort is part of a larger trend for the Pacers, who have shown significant improvement on that end of the floor in recent weeks. If they can maintain this level of defensive intensity, it could be a game-changer for their playoff aspirations.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers victory over the Celtics, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Rick Carlisle’s key rotational decision in the second quarter
• Andrew Nembhard’s impact on both ends of the floor
• The Pacers improved physicality and rebounding against Boston
