Indiana Pacers, it’s time to take the next step toward the next round of the playoffs! Tyrese Haliburton’s showstopping play in Game 4 versus the New York Knicks sent the Indiana Pacers to the edge of a decisive win. With the victory, the Pacers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. If they win Thursday’s game, they’ll guarantee their spot in the seventh round!
In Game 4, Haliburton demonstrated why he’s an all-star and the team’s leader, totaling 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds. His astounding performance gained him recognition as an elite player. He went on to be just the third player in NBA history to log 30 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a playoff game. Only two NBA legends Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokic have accomplished this staggering feat prior. That all serves to underscore Haliburton’s ascendance and importance in the league.
Haliburton’s achievement is made all the more impressive because he did so without a single turnover. This is a stat that’s been kept since the 77-78 season. He’s made himself the first player in history to score 30 points, hand out 15 assists and record zero turnovers in a playoff contest. This rare achievement reflects just how efficient and in control he’s been on the court though.
The Pacers have been a team of destiny this entire postseason, closing out both their last two series in five games. If they triumph on Thursday, they will go down in the history books. They’d be the lowest-seeded team (4-seed) to lose one game or fewer in any series since the NBA expanded its playoffs to 16 teams in 1984.
As the team prepares for the decisive Game 5, head coach Rick Carlisle has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and capitalizing on their momentum. The Pacers are intent on riding Haliburton’s breakout season. They’re continuing to make the case in their sizzling hot playoff run, looking for their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000.
Leave a Reply