Pacers’ Defense Shines as Siakam and Haliburton Lead Indiana Past Pelicans

Pascal Siakam dropped 22 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed a dynamic 21-point, 10-assist double-double to lift the Indiana Pacers over the New Orleans Pelicans, 119-104, on Sunday night.

It was a statement game for Indiana, marking their third win in four outings as they continue to recover from a bumpy start to the season.

Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 17 points, showing the value of his recent return from injury, while Myles Turner added 14 points and protected the paint with four impressive blocks. The Pacers looked energized and focused, showcasing the kind of two-way play that has been elusive for much of the year.

On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Boston led the charge with 20 points, while Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones each added 19. Murray also flirted with a well-rounded stat line, contributing seven rebounds and seven assists. However, turnovers and inconsistent shooting continued to haunt New Orleans, as they coughed up the ball 18 times and hit just 10 of their 33 attempts from beyond the arc.

The game turned decisively in the second quarter when Indiana’s defense clamped down, holding New Orleans to just 14 points in the period. The Pacers built a commanding 59-42 halftime lead, taking advantage of New Orleans’ offensive struggles and lack of cohesion. Indiana extended the lead to as much as 23 points in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game before the final frame.

Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin combined for eight of Indiana’s 16 three-pointers, showcasing the Pacers’ ability to punish opponents from deep when given open looks. Haliburton’s leadership on both ends of the court continues to solidify his role as the engine driving Indiana’s offense.

Advertisement

Latest Press Conference

We’re on Social Media

Follow us on X
See more football highlights

Takeaways
For the Pelicans, Sunday’s loss highlighted the ongoing impact of their injury woes. Once a top-tier offense in the league, New Orleans has struggled to find rhythm in the absence of key players. Their fourth straight defeat and a stretch of 13 losses in their last 14 games illustrate a team searching for answers.

Meanwhile, the Pacers are finding their groove at just the right time. Nembhard’s return has been a major boost, adding depth and stability to their backcourt. With both Haliburton and Nembhard playing aggressive, fast-paced basketball, Indiana has shown glimpses of the potential many expected heading into the season.

Key Moment
The turning point came late in the first half when New Orleans managed just two points in the final 4:15. Indiana capitalized on the drought, expanding an eight-point lead into a 17-point cushion by halftime. This defensive stretch not only swung the momentum but also set the tone for the second half.

Key Stat
Indiana’s nine blocks on the night—eight of which came in the first half—underscored their defensive dominance. Myles Turner anchored the paint, and the entire team stepped up to stifle New Orleans’ attempts to mount a comeback.

What’s Next
The Pelicans will look to regroup as they face Houston on Thursday, hoping to snap their four-game skid. For the Pacers, a three-game road trip begins in Phoenix, where they’ll aim to build on this encouraging stretch and continue their push toward playoff contention.

With performances like these, Indiana is reminding the league that when their core players are healthy and clicking, they’re not just fun to watch—they’re dangerous.