Haliburton Shines as Pacers Take 3-1 Lead in Eastern Conference Finals

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INDIANAPOLIS – On Tuesday, John Haliburton was present at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but in a more secure environment, sequestered in a suite instead of his usual floor seat. The NBA’s infamous “Bad Dad” found himself in hot water after heckling Milwaukee’s star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, following the Indiana Pacers’ first-round clincher last month. To maintain decorum, the Indiana Pacers banned Haliburton’s All-Star point guard father from attending home semifinal games against Cleveland and Sunday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals with New York. However, following apologies from both Haliburtons, the elder Haliburton was welcomed back, much to the delight of fans and advocates, including Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle expressed, “A father should be able to watch his son play basketball. Glad he’s back.”

It was fortunate for Haliburton that he attended this game, as his son delivered a legendary performance, leading the Pacers to a 130-121 victory in Game 4, securing a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Tyrese Haliburton became only the third player in NBA playoff history to achieve at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game. The two other notable players to reach these statistics were Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (twice) and Denver center Nikola Jokić. Moreover, Haliburton’s impressive stat line included zero turnovers and four steals, making his performance unprecedented in NBA history.

The Importance of Game 4 in the NBA Playoffs

In the context of the NBA playoffs, moving from a 2-2 tie to a 3-1 series lead is monumental. Historically, only 13 out of 288 teams that faced a 3-1 deficit have managed to survive, translating to a mere 4.5%. Since 2020, no team has managed to overcome such a deficit. Conversely, a series tied at 2-2 represents a reset, where winning Game 5 becomes crucial. Research shows that 81.3% of teams winning Game 5 go on to win the series (191-44). This statistic heightened the stakes for the New York Knicks as they prepared for Game 5 in Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Key Takeaways from Game 4

Here are five pivotal takeaways as the teams head back to New York for Game 5 (8 ET, TNT):

Haliburton set the stage for an extraordinary playoff performance following Indiana’s Game 3 loss. He took full responsibility for the team’s failure to maintain a 20-point lead, vowing to improve. His determination was evident as he helped the Pacers score 43 points in the first quarter, becoming only the second player in the NBA’s play-by-play era (since 1998) to record at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a playoff quarter, joining the ranks of LeBron James. Haliburton’s contributions included five assists in the first quarter alone, leading the Pacers to make 15 of their 22 shots.

Despite some bright spots, the Knicks faced challenges throughout the game. They dominated the boards with a 44-33 advantage and turned 13 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points. However, their inability to defend against the Pacers’ rapid offense, coupled with 17 turnovers, severely hampered their efforts. Coach Tom Thibodeau described the first quarter as “problematic,” acknowledging that while the Knicks scored 120 points, their defense was lacking. The Pacers, with a shooting percentage over 50% and 40% from beyond the arc, proved too formidable.

Aaron Nesmith returned from a right ankle sprain that limited his effectiveness in Game 3. His presence was felt immediately as he contributed significantly to the Pacers’ performance in Game 4. Nesmith scored 16 points, showcasing his energy and defensive prowess, particularly in hounding Knicks star Jalen Brunson. His early explosive dunk signaled that he was back in form, and the Pacers were plus-20 during his 32 minutes on the court.

Another highlight was the performance of Bennedict Mathurin, who had struggled in the series. After scoring just 11 points in the first three games, Mathurin exploded for 20 points in Game 4. His ability to capitalize on defensive lapses and draw fouls, earning 11 free throws, showcased his readiness and impact in a crucial playoff matchup. Coach Carlisle praised Mathurin’s toughness and ability to thrive in challenging playoff conditions.

As the 2025 NBA playoffs progress, the Knicks must find a way to leverage their home court advantage at Madison Square Garden. With a record of 3-5 at home compared to 6-2 in opponents’ arenas, the pressure is on to perform. The Pacers have shown resilience, boasting a 6-1 record in road playoff games this postseason. Historically, only a few teams have managed to take a commanding 3-1 lead in multiple series during a single postseason, indicating the significance of the upcoming games.

As the playoffs unfold, the intensity continues to rise, and all eyes will be on the next match-up in this thrilling NBA postseason.

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