Tyrese Haliburton's record-setting third quarter leads Pacers comeback and clinches East Group A
The Pacers recorded the first in-season tournament win and now they became the first team to advance to the Knockout Round.
This Pacers team is like riding a roller coaster. You have to accept the uphill climb, all the twists and turns, and the stoppages for repairs to enjoy the thrill of it. Defense is too often absent, but there’s no denying their Fun Factor.
In a game with 309 combined points, the only thing to keep the teams from scoring was the clock finally expiring after 48 game minutes.
The Atlanta Hawks (6-7) scored 86 points in the opening half, a new Hawks franchise record and the second-most points allowed by the NBA Pacers in a half. It was just one point shy of the record, set by the Hornets (87) in Jan. 2022 and ultimately led to a change in philosophy by the Pacers front office.
The Pacers (8-5) came back from a 20-point hole, erased a 13-point halftime deficit and matched the Hawks bucket-for-bucket in the final frame for a 157-152 win. And with the victory, the Pacers became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament.
But, again, what a wild ride to get there.
It was the Pacers’ highest point total in NBA franchise history, topping the 152 points scored at Oklahoma City in 2021.
It’s also just the seventh NBA game on record where both teams scored 150 points, according to Basketball-Reference, and just the second since 1990.
(Click here to get caught up on the in-season tournament format and concept)
This game becomes an instant classic — for the points scored, records broken and a masterful third quarter by Tyrese Haliburton. He’s been thirsty to play in meaningful games and since he’s yet to experience the playoffs, the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament will have to do.
Haliburton provided the Pacers with just the jolt they needed by scoring 26 of his 37 points in the third frame. That’s a new NBA franchise record for points in a quarter and he nearly outscored the Hawks (28), which shouldn’t be glossed over.
He played the entire third quarter and made 8-of-9 shots, including seven 3-pointers.
Haliburton in Group Play:
Nov. 3: 18 points, 13 assists in a 121-116 win over Cleveland.
Nov. 14: 33 points, 7 rebounds and 15 assists in a 132-126 win in Philadelphia.
Nov. 21: 37 points, 16 assists in 157-152 win in Atlanta.
And because they’re 3-0 and have clinched East Group A, Game 4 on Friday against the Pistons carries less weight. That was their weakest opponent in Group Play and it’s not even needed.
By being one of the eight teams to advance to the Knockout Round, all 14 Pacers players are guaranteed at least an additional $50,000 bonus as part of the prize pool. More than that, it ensures the Pacers will appear on national TV at least twice — once more than they were scheduled for when the schedule came out.
Their quarterfinal game will be on either Dec. 4 or 5.
Back to the game, which was wildly entertaining. We were all curious to see how this team would respond from a dismal performance Sunday in a home loss to the Orlando Magic. They had a lot to chew on in the 48 hours between games.