Myles Turner scored a season-high 34 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 119-110 victory over the Miami Heat.
Turner’s dominant performance helped the Pacers improve to 6-7, bouncing back from Friday’s disappointing loss to Miami.
Indiana controlled the game from start to finish, never trailing in the rematch. The Pacers shot an impressive 52% from the field, with Pascal Siakam contributing 23 points and Tyrese Haliburton adding 16 points and 13 assists.
Miami, playing without All-Star Jimmy Butler due to a sprained ankle, relied heavily on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Herro led the Heat with 28 points, while Adebayo scored 24, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Indiana’s balanced attack.
Bennedict Mathurin delivered a standout performance for the Pacers, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds. Starting in place of the injured Aaron Nesmith, Mathurin continued his strong form, scoring at least 20 points for the fourth time in six games.
The Heat struggled in the paint, where they were outscored 62-28. Miami’s injuries piled up further when Jaime Jaquez Jr. exited the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle.
Despite a cold shooting start, Haliburton played a key role late in the game. After missing eight of his first 10 shots, he hit back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter, breaking a 97-97 tie and giving Indiana the lead for good.
Turner’s dominance extended to both ends of the court, as he added nine rebounds and one block to his stat line. His ability to stretch the floor with five made three-pointers proved vital in dismantling Miami’s defense.
Miami’s bench provided a spark, with Duncan Robinson scoring 20 points, including five three-pointers. Nikola Jovic chipped in 14 points, but the Heat couldn’t sustain their offensive rhythm against Indiana’s defense.
The Pacers capitalized on their ball movement, assisting on 30 of their 44 made shots. Haliburton and T.J. McConnell combined for 18 assists, showcasing Indiana’s unselfish play.
Miami fell to 5-7 on the season, with injuries continuing to hinder their early campaign. Although Butler is expected to return for their upcoming homestand, the Heat’s depth will be tested further if Jaquez misses time.
