Tony East here, the host of the daily Locked On Pacers podcast, with your daily Locked On Pacers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pacers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin lead a big Pacers win
Nov 10, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) blocks the shot of New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images|Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Pacers Dynamic Duo of Haliburton and Mathurin Shine in Victory Over Knicks
The Indiana Pacers delivered a thrilling performance against the New York Knicks, marking their first double-digit win of the season. This victory was fueled by standout performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, who both showcased their immense talent and potential.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Stellar Comeback
Tyrese Haliburton was nothing short of spectacular, bouncing back from a less-than-stellar game against the Charlotte Hornets. He scored a season-high 35 points, surpassing his previous best of 25, and dished out 14 assists, also a season high. Haliburton’s ability to make both his two-point and three-point shots was crucial as he demonstrated the form that made him a standout player last season. His performance was a testament to his resilience and belief in his abilities, as he had been vocal about working through his slump. Haliburton’s efficiency was further highlighted by his 11 free throw attempts, a significant increase from his usual numbers, adding another layer to his offensive prowess.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Career Night
Bennedict Mathurin also had a career night, scoring 38 points and proving to be an essential part of the Pacers success. His shooting was exceptional, going 7-for-9 from beyond the arc and 6-for-9 inside of it. Mathurin’s ability to score from various positions on the court made him a constant threat to the Knicks defense. His performance was not just about scoring; he also contributed significantly on the defensive end and on the boards, grabbing eight rebounds. Mathurin’s versatility and efficiency have been key to his development and integration into the starting lineup.
The Pacers victory was a much-needed response after a disappointing loss to the Hornets. The team’s ability to bounce back and perform at a high level, despite being banged up and missing several rotation players, speaks volumes about their resilience and depth. The combination of Haliburton and Mathurin, along with contributions from other key players, has the potential to make the Pacers a formidable team this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers recent 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 defensive strategies against the Knicks
- Injury updates and their impact on the team’s rotation
- A look at the Pacers upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Discussion on the team’s overall performance and areas for improvement
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
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.
Watch The Pacers defeated the Knicks 132-121. Couldn’t tune in?Watch the full game highlights.
Analysis Here are the three key takeaways from the Pacers latest victory. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Pacers take down New York Knicks to get to .500 Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathrin carried the Pacers past the Knicks, and the Pacers are now .500 again. Those two, as well as Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, secured a crucial win.
Why the Pacers were embarrassed by the Charlotte Hornets The Pacers only scored 83 points in a pathetic loss to the Hornets last Friday. What went wrong? Should Indiana be concerned?
Indiana Pacers rumors are hitting the news Does Tyrese Haliburton have a back injury? Is JaVale McGee a center they are looking at signing? Rumors are buzzing, and this episode breaks them down before talking about Obi Toppin being a more permanent center.
