Tyrese Haliburton had 22 factors and tied a franchise file with 23 assists, changing into solely the third participant in NBA historical past with consecutive 20-20 video games in these classes, and the Indiana Pacers beat the visiting New York Knicks 140-126 on Saturday evening.
Haliburton, who picked up his twenty third on a cross to Andrew Nembhard with 1:05 remaining, joined Corridor of Famers Magic Johnson (Dec. 18-19, 1984) and John Stockton (March 1 and March 3, 1990) as the one gamers with consecutive outings of not less than 20 factors and 20 assists. Jamaal Tinsley set the Indiana mark with 23 in opposition to Washington on Nov. 22, 2001.
“I did not know 23 was the franchise file or in any other case I’d have hunted to get 24,” Haliburton stated with fun. “Any time your title is introduced up with legends of the sport, it is superior.”
HISTORIC NIGHT FOR TYRESE HALIBURTON 😱<br><br>📊 22 PTS, 23 AST (career-high)<br>👀 Most 20 AST video games in Pacers historical past<br>3⃣ Third participant ever with back-to-back 20-PT, 20-AST video games, becoming a member of John Stockton and Magic Johnson <a href=”https://t.co/GxnbZdBKGx”>pic.twitter.com/GxnbZdBKGx</a>
—@NBA
Haliburton has 43 assists and two turnovers within the final two video games, elevating his NBA-leading help common to 12.8.
“His offensive stage is past elite,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle stated. “He is put numerous work within the final two summers on reads, on with the ability to create rim stress and to extend his vary, and so groups are in an actual bind.”
Indiana received its third in a row to enhance to 17-14. The Pacers shot 60 per cent from the sector and made 23 three-pointers to tie the crew file. Myles Turner had 28 factors and eight rebounds, whereas Aaron Nesmith scored 25 factors.
“Assists do not occur with out guys making photographs,” Haliburton stated. “We’re doing that at a excessive clip proper now.”
Undermanned
The Knicks had been undermanned of their third straight loss after buying and selling RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round decide to Toronto on Saturday in trade for OG Anunoby, Treasured Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn.
Donte DiVincenzo scored a career-high 38 factors for the Knicks, who shot 47 per cent. Jalen Brunson and Randle added 28 apiece. Already taking part in with out beginning heart Mitchell Robinson, sidelined attributable to left ankle surgical procedure, the commerce left New York utilizing an eight-man rotation till the ultimate minute.
Beginning capturing guard Bruce Brown (bone bruise in proper knee) sat out for Indiana. The Pacers led 32-27 on the finish of the primary quarter and 64-62 at halftime within the first of three scheduled conferences between the groups this season.
The Pacers gained some respiration room within the third quarter. Haliburton’s layup with 4:23 left pushed them forward 92-81, the primary double-figure edge for both aspect. Indiana finally went up by 16 earlier than settling for a 105-92 edge coming into the ultimate interval.
“First half we hung in there fairly good,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau stated. “We scored a lot, however we bought to play protection. The third quarter they bought the cushion on us. They seem to be a heck of an offensive crew. [Haliburton]Â may be very unselfish.”
WATCH l Raptors-Knicks deal ‘enormous’ for Toronto followers:
The Toronto Raptors are sending OG Anunoby, Treasured Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for Canadian swingman RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft decide. The deal is instrumental to serving to the Raptors construct a younger roster round Scottie Barnes, says Akil Augustine, a bunch and producer at NBA TV Canada.
