The Indiana Pacers put on an impressive performance as they utilized a dominant second quarter to secure a 127-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling matchup Thursday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with a stellar 22-point performance, while Myles Turner contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, and an impressive seven blocks.
Despite a slow start with missed shots and 3-pointers, the Pacers managed to explode for a season-high 78 points in the first half. Haliburton dished out nine assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities, while a total of seven Pacers reached double-digit scoring figures.
On the other side, Desmond Bane paced the Grizzlies with 23 points and seven assists, followed by solid contributions from Jaren Jackson Jr. with 18 points and Ja Morant with 12 points. Zach Edey, making his NBA debut in Indiana, posted five points and 11 rebounds.
Memphis initially took a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly turned the tide in the second quarter. Turner’s impressive 12-point burst kickstarted a pivotal 23-4 run that gave Indiana a commanding 78-50 halftime advantage.
Although the Grizzlies made a push in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 91-87, Indiana responded with a crucial 7-0 run to regain control of the game.
Key moments included Turner’s 3-pointer late in the first half, sparking a sequence where the Pacers connected on four 3-pointers and converted two three-point plays. Indiana finished the first half on a high note, making 12 of their final 19 3-point attempts en route to a remarkable 50-point second quarter.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to face the Orlando Magic on Friday, while the Pacers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. It was an electrifying contest filled with standout performances and memorable moments for both teams. For more NBA updates, visit https://apnews.com/hub/NBA.
