INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers put forth a strong performance, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 119-104 on Sunday. Leading the way for Indiana was Pascal Siakam, who scored 22 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed significantly with 21 points along with 10 assists.
Additionally, Andrew Nembhard added 17 points to the mix, and Myles Turner made his presence felt with 14 points and four blocks. This victory marked the Pacers’ third win in their last four games, showcasing a promising stretch of play for the team.
On the other side, the Pelicans saw Brandon Boston top their scoring efforts with 20 points, supported by Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones, who each netted 19 points. Murray’s contributions were notable, as he also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out seven assists. Despite these efforts, New Orleans lost for the fourth straight time and has struggled massively, losing 13 of their last 14 games since mid-November.
The highlight of the game came in the second quarter, where the Pacers excelled defensively, allowing the Pelicans to score only 14 points during those 12 minutes. This defensive surge helped Indiana establish a substantial halftime lead of 59-42. Furthermore, the Pacers expanded their lead to 23 points in the third quarter, allowing them to maintain control through to the final buzzer.
Both Haliburton and Obi Toppin were particularly effective from beyond the arc, with each sinking four 3-pointers out of Indiana’s total of 16 for the game.
Key insights emerged from the match. For the Pelicans, injuries have severely affected their squad, hindering their performance on the court. The game was just another demonstration of their struggles, as last year’s top-scoring offense appears to be struggling to find rhythm.
For the Pacers, Nembhard’s return from injury has played a crucial role in their recent success. When the guards are able to play with freedom and pace, the team tends to perform remarkably well. If they maintain this level of play, there is a strong possibility that their season will take a positive turn.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when New Orleans managed to score just two points in the final 4 minutes and 15 seconds of the first half. Indiana capitalized on this, turning an eight-point lead into a 17-point advantage by halftime.
One notable statistic from the game was Indiana’s defensive prowess, finishing with nine blocks overall, including eight in the first half, which played a critical role in their commanding performance.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans are scheduled to play again on Thursday against the Houston Rockets, while the Pacers will embark on a three-game road trip starting Thursday in Phoenix.
