INDIANAPOLIS — In a dominant display, Tyrese Haliburton contributed 22 points while Myles Turner added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and a season-best seven blocks, propelling the Indiana Pacers to a 127-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.
Despite a rocky start where Indiana missed their first seven shots, including the initial eight from beyond the arc, the Pacers managed to register 78 points in the first half, marking their highest scoring half of the season. A total of seven players from Indiana reached double figures in scoring, with Haliburton also dishing out nine assists.
Desmond Bane was the standout for the Grizzlies, leading the team with 23 points and seven assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points along with seven rebounds, while Ja Morant added 12 points. Notably, former Purdue standout Zach Edey, who won the NCAA Player of the Year award twice, made his NBA debut in Indiana, finishing with five points and 11 rebounds.
Memphis initially seized control with a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers responded vigorously in the second quarter, taking a 48-46 lead. Turner was pivotal during this stretch, scoring the first 12 points of a 23-4 run that ultimately allowed Indiana to establish a comfortable 78-50 lead at halftime.
The Grizzlies did attempt a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 91-87, but Indiana swiftly answered with a 7-0 run, maintaining control for the remainder of the game.
**Observations:**
Grizzlies: Memphis showcased contrasting playing styles with and without Edey on the floor. However, their defensive issues proved insurmountable.
Pacers: After shaking off initial rust, the Pacers found their rhythm, creating good opportunities and showcasing an impressive offensive display.
**Turning Point:**
Turner’s three-pointer with under six minutes remaining in the first half marked the beginning of a scoring surge for Indiana, as they netted four three-pointers and earned two additional three-point plays during a six-basket stretch.
**Notable Stats:**
The Pacers converted 12 of their last 19 attempts from deep in the first half, leading to a staggering 50-point second quarter.
**Looking Ahead:**
Next, the Grizzlies will visit Orlando on Friday, while the Pacers have a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
