Mathurin and Haliburton Lead Pacers to Victory in a Shower of Threes

Bennedict Mathurin put on a show on Sunday, setting a new career record with 38 points, including an awe-inspiring seven 3-pointers. The Indiana Pacers‘ standout performance, coupled with Tyrese Haliburton’s 35 points and 14 assists, propelled the team to a 132-121 win over the New York Knicks.

Myles Turner Adds Fuel to Pacers’ Fire

Myles Turner wasn’t far behind, contributing 26 points to the Pacers’ winning total. The team set a season record, sinking 21 shots from beyond the arc and outmatching the Knicks with a whopping 63-21 score from the three-point line. The Pacers’ sharp shooting continued into the fourth quarter, making 8 out of 13 three-point attempts, while the Knicks struggled, netting only 7 out of 25 overall.

Knicks Show Promise Despite Loss

Despite the loss, several Knicks players had impressive performances. Jalen Brunson accumulated 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 30 points and snatched nine boards. New York held a slim lead at halftime, 61-58, and just a two-point advantage going into the fourth quarter.

Key Takeaways from the Match

For the Knicks, the Pacers’ three-point onslaught was a stark contrast to their previous encounter, where they had dominated Indiana by a 25-point margin. The Pacers, on the other hand, had to contend with the absence of their starting wings due to injuries. Aaron Nesmith, with a sprained left ankle, is expected to be sidelined until December, while Andrew Nembhard will be out for at least two weeks due to left knee soreness.

The Turning Point

The Knicks were still in the game midway through the fourth quarter, when Towns skillfully maneuvered through two defenders and completed a three-point play. This brought New York’s deficit down to just two points with 7:11 remaining. However, Indiana responded swiftly, scoring in their next four possessions to secure a 114-107 lead with 4:52 left on the clock.

Key Statistic

Beyond the Pacers’ impressive three-point shooting, the Knicks’ inability to force turnovers proved crucial. Despite the fast-paced gameplay, the Pacers managed to keep possession, committing only 10 turnovers throughout the match.

What’s Next?

The Pacers will face Orlando next on Wednesday, while the Knicks will challenge Philadelphia on Tuesday.