Tyrese Haliburton propelled the Indiana Pacers to a 113-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists. Indiana improved to 19-18 on the season, extending their win streak to three games and claiming their ninth victory in the last 12 outings.
Bennedict Mathurin added 20 points on 57% shooting, while Pascal Siakam chipped in with 19 points and six rebounds. Obi Toppin contributed 11 points off the bench, including a critical dunk and a three-pointer during the fourth quarter to help secure the victory.
The Nets, now 13-23, struggled offensively in the first half, managing only 39 points, their lowest-scoring first half of the season.
Day’Ron Sharpe led Brooklyn with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Tyrese Martin and Noah Clowney added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Despite a 12-0 run late in the third quarter, the Nets couldn’t sustain their momentum and trailed by 24 points earlier in the game.
Indiana’s defense proved pivotal, holding the Nets to 30.3% shooting from three-point range. The Pacers also dominated at the free-throw line, converting 21 of 23 attempts at a 91.3% clip.
Brooklyn showed some fight early in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to 10 points. However, a decisive 14-2 run by the Pacers, highlighted by Toppin’s athletic plays, put the game out of reach.
Haliburton’s leadership and efficiency were instrumental for the Pacers. He shot 75% from beyond the arc, made all nine of his free throws, and kept Indiana’s offense flowing throughout the game.
For the Nets, the loss marked their 10th defeat in 13 games, further exposing their struggles this season. Brooklyn’s bench provided a spark, with Sharpe recording a double-double and Reece Beekman scoring nine points in limited minutes, but the starters failed to match Indiana’s firepower.
The Pacers also received balanced contributions from their roster. Myles Turner added 10 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, while Andrew Nembhard, despite finishing with eight points, played solid defense to maintain the team’s control over the game.
Brooklyn’s struggles in the paint and on the perimeter ultimately sealed their fate. The Nets’ 41.8% overall shooting and lack of defensive cohesion left them unable to keep pace with Indiana’s dynamic offense.
