INDIANAPOLIS — On Friday evening, both Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam excelled in scoring, each contributing 25 points to propel the Indiana Pacers to a 108-96 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Haliburton not only scored but also dished out 10 assists, while Siakam recorded 10 rebounds, sealing the win for Indiana as they secured their fifth consecutive victory, tying their longest winning streak of the season.
The Warriors’ scoring was led by Buddy Hield, a former Pacers player, who managed to score 17 points. Pat Spencer also matched his season high with 17 points for Golden State, which rested six players, including All-Stars Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, in their second game in as many nights.
Coach Steve Kerr noted that Green was dealing with a back issue, while Curry was struggling with a knee problem.
The game turned in Indiana’s favor during a powerful second quarter where they launched a 17-2 run, flipping a 30-29 deficit into a commanding 46-31 lead. Golden State couldn’t regain the lead after that, but they managed to cut the halftime gap to five points and narrowed it to a three-point difference early in the third quarter.
However, the Pacers consistently had the answers every time the Warriors threatened to close the gap.
Observations from the game reveal that it is challenging to draw definitive conclusions when so many key players are sidelined. Despite this, Golden State put forth a strong effort, with both Spencer and former Indiana high school and college standout Trayce Jackson-Davis making significant contributions to the team.
For the Pacers, their momentum continues to grow, appearing to have found their rhythm. They have won all five games in this streak by at least 10 points, Haliburton has returned to an All-Star level of play, and with the team’s increasing health, their depth has become a crucial asset.
A pivotal moment in the match occurred when the Pacers struggled early on with three-point shooting, but Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin hit consecutive three-pointers halfway through that significant stretch, asserting Indiana’s dominance.
In terms of key statistics, while the Pacers had difficulties scoring in the paint during the first half, they turned it around by the game’s end, finishing with a 54-46 advantage in points scored inside.
Looking ahead, the Golden State Warriors will continue their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are set to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
