Pacers breeze by fading Nets

Field Level Media|published: Mon 1st April, 21:45 2024

Apr 1, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball while Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. credits: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrese Haliburton posted a 27-point, 13-assist double-double to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 133-111 rout over the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Monday night in Indianapolis.

The Nets (29-47) suffered a slow start for the second straight game, which proved to be costly.

After giving up a pair of Brooklyn baskets, the Pacers (43-33) settled into the game with a 18-3 run that Haliburton finished with a three-point play to give Indiana a 18-7 lead with 7:41 left in the first quarter.

The Pacers hardly looked back and finished the first with a 43-27 lead, which turned into a lopsided 75-47 margin at halftime.

Haliburton didn't play in the fourth quarter and shot 9-of-15 overall, including four 3-pointers. He also had a turnover-free game.

Pascal Siakam had 15 points and six rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith chipped in 11 points. Obi Toppin added 14 points and T.J. McConnell had 10 points and eight assists off the bench.

Cam Thomas paced the Nets with a team-high 22 points. Trendon Watford had 21 points off the bench, while Mikal Bridges had 19 points and Lonnie Walker IV added 14 for Brooklyn.

Indiana's Jalen Smith had 17 points and 10 rebounds through 16 minutes of action, before getting ejected from the game with 5:55 remaining in the third quarter.

Smith attempted a layup, while Brooklyn's Dennis Schroder contested the shot and knocked off Smith's goggles in the process, which prompted the Pacers' big man to retaliate by pushing Schroder after the play. Smith was ejected upon receiving a Flagrant 2 foul, while Schroder was assessed a technical.

Indiana's Myles Turner also left the game early after sustaining a finger injury in the final minute of the first half. Turner was hurt during a dunk attempt and did not return to the game. He finished with nine points, six rebounds and five blocks.

Indiana remained in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with the win, after the Orlando Magic held on for a 104-103 win against Portland on Monday night to stay in fifth. Brooklyn faded deeper out of the playoff picture with the loss and stayed in 11th.

—Field Level Media

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