Haliburton’s Magic in the Third Quarter
In a game that showcased the talents of Victor Wembanyama and Tyrese Haliburton, it was Haliburton who stole the show in the third quarter, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 136-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Paris Games finale. Haliburton erupted for 16 of his game-high 28 points in a dazzling 2½-minute stretch late in the third, connecting on all six of his field goal attempts, including four from beyond the arc.
The Pacers, who trailed by one point early in the third quarter, seized control of the game during Haliburton’s scoring outburst. They extended their lead to double digits and never looked back, ultimately cruising to a comfortable victory.
Wembanyama’s Solid Performance
Despite Haliburton’s heroics, Wembanyama still managed to put up a solid performance for the Spurs. The French phenom finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, adding two steals, two assists, and a block to his stat line.
Wembanyama shot an efficient 7-of-16 from the field, showcasing his versatility and skill. He was particularly effective in the paint, using his size and athleticism to score at will. However, it was Haliburton’s third-quarter explosion that proved to be the difference in the game.
Supporting Cast Contributes
Haliburton was not the only Pacer to contribute to the victory. Andrew Nembhard added 15 points, Myles Turner chipped in with 14, Bennedict Mathurin scored 13, and T.J. McConnell added 12. Their collective efforts helped Indiana maintain their lead throughout the game.
The Spurs, who won the series opener by 30 points on Thursday, were led by Harrison Barnes’ 25 points. Stephon Castle also contributed 17 points for San Antonio.
Dominant Fourth Quarter
After taking control of the game in the third quarter, the Pacers continued to dominate in the fourth. They outscored the Spurs 33-23 in the final period, extending their lead to as many as 29 points.
The Pacers’ defense was particularly impressive in the fourth quarter, holding the Spurs to just 23 points on 30% shooting. Indiana’s ability to close out the game strong was a testament to their韧性 and determination.
Conclusion
The Pacers’ victory in Paris was a statement of their potential. Led by Haliburton’s brilliance and the contributions of their supporting cast, they showed that they can compete with the top teams in the league.
As the NBA regular season continues, the Pacers will look to build on their success in Paris and make a push for a playoff berth. With Haliburton leading the way, they have the talent and chemistry to achieve their goals.