INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday evening, Tyrese Haliburton showcased an impressive performance, scoring 34 points and registering 13 assists, while also netting a personal best of nine 3-pointers this season. His efforts were crucial in leading the Indiana Pacers to a 114-100 victory over the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans.

A pivotal moment came with just 3:06 remaining in the game when Haliburton hit a crucial 3-pointer to break the tie. Bennedict Mathurin sealed the win with an electrifying alley-oop dunk off a pass from Haliburton with a minute left on the clock.

Myles Turner contributed significantly with 17 points, which included a key burst of seven consecutive points in the fourth quarter that helped shift the game’s momentum firmly back to the Pacers. Trey Murphy III was the standout for the Pelicans, matching his season-high with 24 points, while CJ McCollum returned to action after nearly a month away and added 23 points. Moreover, Elfrid Payton had a notable performance, racking up a career-high 21 assists, marking the highest assists total in a single NBA game this season.

The Pelicans are currently on a disappointing five-game losing streak. In attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, who brought excitement to young fans sporting both her Indiana Fever and Iowa jerseys.

Key Takeaways:

For the Pelicans, the absence of four expected starting players due to injury—including Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson—makes it challenging to evaluate the outcome of Monday’s game thoroughly. CJ McCollum’s return, however, could signify a positive shift for the team’s future.

On the flip side, the Pacers are also dealing with injuries, missing players like Andrew Nembhard (knee) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle). Nevertheless, they have utilized the first two contests of their four-game homestand to inch closer to the .500 mark.

The game’s crucial moment arose when Haliburton, with the score tied at 104, sank a vital 3-pointer, followed by a layup, before assisting Mathurin for a key dunk that ignited the crowd and left the Pelicans unable to bounce back from that surge.

Haliburton’s scoring prowess is evident, with a remarkable 73 points accumulated over the past three games, marking his highest total over any three-game stretch this season, surpassing his previous record of 58.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans will return home to face the Toronto Raptors, while the Pacers will prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night.