Pacers Edge Pelicans 123-120 in High-Scoring Thriller

The Indiana Pacers escaped New Orleans with a 123-120 road win over the Pelicans in a game that featured 11 lead changes and plenty of offensive firepower. Indiana’s backcourt controlled the pace, while New Orleans dominated stretches in the paint. In the end, the Pacers made the bigger plays in the final two minutes to secure a hard-fought victory.

Game Overview

Both teams came out playing fast. Indiana moved the ball quickly and hunted three-pointers, while New Orleans attacked the rim through Zion Williamson and generated second-chance opportunities with offensive rebounding. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither defense able to string together enough stops to build a comfortable lead.

The Pelicans took a narrow lead into the fourth quarter, but Indiana’s half-court execution improved down the stretch. Tyrese Haliburton created open shots for teammates and knocked down a crucial three-pointer in the final minute. New Orleans had chances to tie or take the lead late, but a turnover and a missed three-pointer sealed its fate.

Key Moments

The decisive sequence came with just over a minute remaining. Haliburton hit a step-back three to give Indiana the lead, then Pascal Siakam blocked a Zion Williamson drive on the other end. The Pacers converted at the free-throw line, and New Orleans’ final possession ended without a clean look. Indiana’s late-game discipline proved to be the difference.

Tactical Story

Indiana’s offense was built on pace and spacing. The Pacers pushed the ball after makes and misses, forcing New Orleans to defend in transition. Haliburton’s pick-and-roll decisions created open threes and driving lanes, and Indiana’s shooters made enough shots to keep the Pelicans’ defense honest.

New Orleans controlled the paint, finishing with a significant advantage in points inside. Williamson was nearly unstoppable when he got downhill, and the Pelicans’ offensive rebounding created extra possessions. However, New Orleans’ late turnovers and inconsistent three-point shooting prevented it from closing out the game.

Standout Players

• Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 26 points and 12 assists, including the go-ahead three-pointer.
• Pascal Siakam added 24 points and made the biggest defensive play of the night.
• Myles Turner finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, protecting the rim and spacing the floor.
• Zion Williamson powered New Orleans with 30 points and nine rebounds, while CJ McCollum added 22 points.

Season Impact

The win is a valuable early road result for Indiana and a sign that the Pacers can win in different ways. For New Orleans, the loss is a tough one because the Pelicans controlled long stretches in the paint but could not execute late. Both teams look capable of competing in their conferences, but Indiana’s late-game poise stood out in a game that could have gone either way.