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The most complete Indiana Pacers game of the season
Nov 4, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images|Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Pacers Triumph Over Mavericks With A Complete Game Performance
The Indiana Pacers showcased a 48-minute performance against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a much-needed victory on the road. This game was the team’s first showing of consistent play throughout all four quarters, a feat they had struggled to achieve in previous matchups. The Pacers win was not just about individual brilliance but a collective effort that saw them play as a cohesive unit for the entire game.
Key Players Shine
Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner were instrumental in this victory. Haliburton, who has been finding his rhythm, delivered a stellar performance with 25 points and 12 assists. His ability to penetrate the defense and make crucial plays was evident, as he consistently attacked the rim and made smart decisions with the ball. Haliburton’s confidence in taking shots in tight spaces was a significant factor in the Pacers offensive success.
Turner, on the other hand, dominated both ends of the court. He scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and ability to stretch the floor. Turner’s shooting from beyond the arc was particularly impressive, as he hit five three-pointers, keeping the Mavericks defense on their toes. His presence in the paint was equally impactful as he provided the necessary rim protection and rebounding that the Pacers needed to control the game.
Consistent Team Effort
What stood out in this game was the Pacers ability to maintain their identity for the full 48 minutes. Unlike previous games where they faltered at times, this matchup saw them execute their game plan effectively from start to finish. The team was relentless in their approach, consistently finding ways to score and respond to any runs by the Mavericks. The Pacers defense was also noteworthy as they limited Dallas’ opportunities to take control of the game.
The Pacers’ strategy of attacking the rim paid off, as they scored an impressive 76 points in the paint. This aggressive approach was facilitated by the absence of key Mavericks’ defenders, allowing the Pacers to exploit mismatches and dominate inside. The team’s ability to adapt and capitalize on these opportunities was crucial in securing the win.
The victory over the Mavericks is a promising sign for the Pacers as they look to build momentum. With upcoming games against the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, maintaining this level of play will be essential. The Pacers have shown that when they play to their strengths and execute their game plan, they can compete with the best teams in the league.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
- Analysis of the Pacers new center rotation
- Impact of Derek Lively’s absence on the Mavericks
Here’s something I love: The Detroit Pistons with a win record of 3-5, better than the combined record of the Bucks and the Sixers. Given Detroit’s slow start to the season, and that lopsided match against the Knicks last Friday, I thought we were in for another season where the best the Pistons could hope for was besting their last season record of 14-68.
Yes, there could still be a slump; yes, the play-in still feels like an aspirational goal for this team, but neither of those outcomes takes away from the truth of the matter which is, the league is better when the Pistons are competitive.
This is a franchise with a proud, hard-fought history, a winning history, and one that’s been hard to see these last few seasons under the tarnish of poor decision making and ill-timed coaching fits. Going back to Cade Cunningham’s rookie season, coached by Dwane Casey, that team and the iterations that followed were too good to be as bad as they appeared. Casey — who transitioned into a front office role with the team last season —is a great coach, if a touch old fashioned. Admittedly, I miss being more proximal to him for the Casey-isms alone he’d offer, e.g. More than one way to skin a cat. A front office, mentorship-driven fit was always the goal of Casey even as head coach, given the rebuilding stage the team was in and how in two years its median age of players dipped to one of the youngest in the league.
Skip to last season, Monty Williams’ brief tenure and that dismal aforementioned season record, and rather than treat it as an unfortunate blip, the Pistons young talent took it as a lesson. Cade is in his fourth season and has lost more than any of his five draft contemporaries he was in the running for Rookie of the Year with. Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Franz Wagner — these guys have certainly seen slumps, the nature of the Draft dictates likely being drafted to a struggling or rebuilding team, but they’ve also had their share of successes. Enough to keep them growing and developing. Cade has, in almost every way, had to take it upon himself to sift the lessons from the seasonal wreckage and keep his hope alive. That takes an incredible amount of discipline and fortitude.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Feel Good The Pistons had to take the subway to their game in Brooklyn because of the NYC marathon (ESPN)
Analysis Will the NBA pinpoint its 3 point problem? (TSA, Substack)
Analysis Tyrese Haliburton’s early struggles may be linked to a “Team USA hangover,” raising concerns about his form this season. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Pacers’ upcoming clash with the Mavericks highlights key strategies needed for victory and potential turning points. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis A rival executive criticizes Tyrese Haliburton for his slow start, prompting discussions on his impact on the team’s performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Retirement A former Pacers guard announces retirement after a 14-year career, marking the end of an era for fans and players alike. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Pacers are exploring frontcourt upgrades after multiple season-ending injuries impact their roster depth and strategy. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Is It Truly A Zach Edey Fantasy Basketball Breakout?
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center.|Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action was packed with thrilling games and standout performances, offering plenty of insights for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key matchups and player performances that could impact your fantasy strategy.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bucks faced off against the Cavaliers in a closely contested game, with Cleveland edging out Milwaukee 116-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with an adductor issue, which opened the door for Bobby Portis to shine. Portis delivered an impressive 21 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his potential when given extended minutes. Damian Lillard also had a strong outing with 36 points and seven assists, while Brook Lopez contributed defensively with four steals and two blocks.
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards
The Warriors secured a road victory against the Wizards, 125-112. Stephen Curry returned to action, scoring 24 points in limited minutes. Buddy Hield continued his hot streak with 20 points, but his current shooting efficiency may not be sustainable. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole put up 24 points, but his high block and steal numbers suggest a potential sell-high opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons pulled off a win against the Lakers, 115-103. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both had strong performances, with Davis scoring 37 points despite an ankle injury scare. Jaden Ivey impressed for Detroit, solidifying his status as a must-roster player with his improved play this season.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts.
How Pacers earned much-needed win vs Dallas Mavericks The Indiana Pacers played their most complete game of the season when they beat the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. How did they get it done? And why were Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner so good?
Pacers lose Isaiah Jackson to Achilles tear, now what? Isaiah Jackson’s season may be over with a torn Achilles. James Wiseman is down for a while, too. The Pacers need a center, and Eddie Garrison joins to break down the situation before talking about the Pacers struggles this season.
The Pacers stars need to be better after loss to Pelicans The Pacers fell in New Orleans, keeping the group below .500. The Pelicans stars massively outplayed the Pacers stars, and that has been too much of a theme this year. Plus, Isaiah Jackson and Aaron Nesmith got hurt.
