INDIANAPOLIS — John Haliburton was present at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, but in a VIP suite instead of his usual spot among the fans. The Indiana Pacers’ All-Star point guard’s father had been banned from the arena after his controversial behavior while heckling Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo following the Pacers’ first-round victory last month. Both Haliburtons had since apologized, and under pressure from prominent figures like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, along with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, the elder Haliburton was allowed back to watch his son.
His return coincided with a historic performance by Tyrese Haliburton, who led the Pacers to a 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This win puts Indiana ahead 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, crucial for maintaining momentum in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton’s stats were remarkable, as he became just the third player in NBA playoff history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game, joining legends like Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić. His performance was particularly notable as he also achieved zero turnovers and four steals, showcasing extraordinary skill and composure.
The Pacers played dynamically in the opening quarter, scoring 43 points, which set a challenging tempo for the Knicks. Tyrese’s leadership was evident as he contributed to his team’s early success, leading the charge with an impressive start that included a strong first-half performance where he and Russell Westbrook were the only ones to achieve at least 20 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists in a playoff half. Coach Carlisle applauded his player’s ability to manage the game without turning the ball over, emphasizing the importance of his performance for the team.
Despite some positive efforts from the Knicks, who managed to control the boards and amassed significant points from key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, their 17 turnovers and a shaky defense ultimately hindered their chances. Coach Tom Thibodeau admitted the team needed to improve on defense as they look ahead to Game 5, underlining the challenge of keeping up with the Pacers’ high-powered offense.
For Indiana, the return of Aaron Nesmith from injury added depth to their roster, as he played a crucial role in both offense and defense, proving vital for the team’s win. Additionally, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up, scoring 20 points in Game 4 after a relatively quiet postseason, emphasizing the depth and resilience of the Pacers’ lineup.
As the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the pressure mounts on the Knicks, who have struggled at home despite performing well on the road this postseason. Conversely, the Pacers have been formidable as a visiting team. This upcoming game will determine whether New York can equalize the series or if Indiana can take a decisive step towards the Finals.
Overall, the Pacers’ strong showing in Game 4 illustrates their readiness to compete at a high level, making the remaining games in this series highly anticipated. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the Knicks respond and whether they can find their footing in front of a home crowd.