Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton powered the Indiana Pacers to a 119-104 win over the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Siakam scored 22 points, while Haliburton added 21 points and 10 assists to help Indiana improve to 12-15 this season.
The Pacers received additional contributions from Andrew Nembhard, who tallied 17 points and seven assists, and Myles Turner, who chipped in 14 points and four blocks.
Haliburton and Obi Toppin each knocked down four 3-pointers, combining for half of the Pacers’ 16 makes from beyond the arc. Indiana shot an efficient 50.6% from the field, maintaining control throughout the second half and extending their lead to as many as 23 points in the third quarter.
Brandon Boston Jr. led the Pelicans with 20 points off the bench, while Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones added 19 points apiece. However, New Orleans struggled with turnovers, committing 18, and shot only 39.2% from the floor, including 10-of-33 from deep.
The loss was the Pelicans’ fourth straight, dropping their record to 5-22. Injuries have ravaged New Orleans’ lineup, with key players such as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado sidelined. Since mid-November, the Pelicans have lost 13 of their last 14 games.
Indiana’s bench played a pivotal role in the win, with Toppin scoring 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting and Jarace Walker grabbing nine rebounds. The Pacers’ defense recorded nine blocks in the game, including eight in the first half, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Nembhard’s return from injury has rejuvenated the Pacers’ backcourt, giving Indiana a much-needed spark during their recent stretch of improved play. Indiana has now won three of their last four games, positioning themselves to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
