The Indiana Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, secured a decisive 123-111 win against the Golden State Warriors during Friday’s NBA action, showcasing their strength and resilience.
“We had to amp up our attitude in the second half, our overall nastiness to compete and get physical,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
Myles Turner‘s historic night added to the victory’s significance as he became Indiana’s franchise leader in blocks, surpassing Jermaine O’Neal.
“I think it’s amazing,” Turner said. “I can leave with something no matter what happens in the future. Now I can tell my kids about this moment, grandkids and hopefully this record is here to stay for a long time.”
The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, struggled to maintain their early lead, with Indiana outscoring Golden State significantly in the third quarter.
“Any time you hold Steph Curry to under 30 in his building, you’ve done an amazing job,” Carlisle noted, commending the defense against Curry.
An unexpected moment came as Chris Paul was ejected for a verbal exchange with referee Tony Brothers, further highlighting the game’s intense atmosphere.
“I’d say it’s a really big win for us,” Haliburton said, acknowledging the tight standings and the importance of every game.
The Pacers’ road success, particularly at Chase Center, and their ability to deliver in crucial moments, was evident as they moved closer to securing a direct playoff spot, distancing themselves from the play-in tournament.
“They just pushed the ball down our throats and got out in transition,” lamented Warriors coach Steve Kerr about the Pacers’ second-half performance.
As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the Pacers look to continue their momentum against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Warriors aim to rebound against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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