Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers scores 35 points against the New York Knicks

by Junna Base November 11, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton did everything when his team needed it in a tense fourth quarter on Sunday.

Make free throws. Driving through the paint for lay-ups. An over-the-shoulder pass to Myles Turner for a 3-pointer.

But Pacers coach Rick Carlisle saw determination elsewhere in Haliburton’s game.

“The look in his eyes,” Carlisle said. “It was that simple. I could think of another (expletive). But there are just times when greatness just looks them in the eye. They are determined to not only play a great individual game, but also to make a big impact on the game for themselves and their teammates.

Haliburton had his best performance of the season with 35 points and 14 assists in a 132-121 win over the Knicks on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. His efforts were key to a resurgent fourth quarter in which the Pacers outscored the Knicks 40-27.

There were early signs that it would be a strong night for Haliburton: a one-legged three-pointer in the second quarter and five assists in the first quarter. But his fourth quarter of 12 points and five assists stole the show, turning a back-and-forth affair into a solid win.

He kept driving into the paint, beating the Knicks’ defenders and keeping their comeback attempt at bay. He also kept an eye on his teammates and assisted on several 3-pointers in the fourth period. The intense battle gave way to joy as Haliburton pushed the Pacers to a 10-point lead with less than three minutes left as Haliburton skipped around the court to thunderous applause and fans on their feet.

The motivation for Haliburton’s groundbreaking determination in this district? “I just play basketball,” he said, trying to take advantage of his teammates.

Forward Pascal Siakam didn’t see the look in Haliburton’s eyes the same way Carlisle did. But as he watched Haliburton go downhill, Siakam said he knew “it was going to be one of those nights.”

“I just know the seriousness that he has and we have pretty good players around him too,” Siakam said. “When he attacks the rim, he can get to it whenever he wants. He has a feel for it.”

Haliburton’s strong performance came after a slow start to the season. He entered Sunday averaging 14.7 points per game and 7.7 assists per game, struggling after recovering from a leg injury suffered in the Olympics. He scored just six points in Friday’s loss to Charlotte.

The Pacers had a pregame conversation about how they could better open shots for Haliburton. Carlisle said they need to get a better look for him and the process to do that is a goal for the entire team.

Carlisle said strong defense was one of the keys to giving Haliburton the shots he wanted.

“Our determination on defense will always lead to really good momentum for us on offense,” he said. “And our boys were able to assess situations well. We had the right guys in ball defense. And I think Ty’s determination won the day today.”

But Haliburton credited his success on Sunday to a great team effort and the “right” play of his teammates.

Haliburton, along with Bennedict Mathurin (38 points) and Myles Turnes (26 points) were key to winning the game after multiple injuries. Forward Obi Toppin, forward Aaron Nesmith and guard Andrew Nembhard were all out; Nesmith and Nembhard will be out for several weeks.

Now “everyone is getting ready to play,” Haliburton said.

“This is a big deal for us,” he said. “If these guys come back, we would obviously like to have them on the floor with us again. But other guys have come along in the meantime, so everyone has to be ready to play.”

LSU and Georgia lose and is Miami's ONE loss a big deal? | College Football Power Hour

Trump announces the selection of real estate tycoon Steven Witkoff as Middle East envoy

Bryson DeChambeau says this 1 trick will help all habitual 3 putters