Haliburton's 3-pointer propels Pacers to victory over Rockets

Tyrese Haliburton's 33 points and 10 assists led the Pacers to a 123-117 win over the Rockets. Indiana ended a losing streak.

Tyrese Haliburton had a game of a lifetime, scoring 33 points and grabbing 10 assists, including a clutch 3-pointer in the final minute of the game to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 123-117 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

The win was a much-needed one for Indiana, snapping a three-game losing streak and securing their first road win since December 7th. Haliburton expressed the pressure of reaching .500 and the importance of this game, stating that it was a "must-win" for the team, and they managed to pull it off against a tough and feisty Houston team.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was proud of the team's performance, describing the game as "super competitive" with a high level of action and lead changes. The game saw 15 lead changes and six ties, making it an intense and closely contested match.

Houston's Alperen Sengun had an impressive game, leading his team with 30 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Fred VanVleet's running layup gave the Rockets a brief lead late in the game, but Haliburton's heroics sealed the victory for Indiana.

Haliburton's 3-point shooting was particularly impactful, as he went 7 of 13 from beyond the arc, contributing to the Pacers' 19 made 3-pointers out of 43 attempts. This sharpshooting from long range was a key factor in the game.

The Rockets, on the other hand, dominated in the paint, outscoring Indiana 74-44 in that area. However, the Pacers' proficiency from the 3-point line ultimately made the difference.

The game had its share of standout moments, including Haliburton's impressive 3-point barrage in the third quarter, which helped Indiana build a substantial lead heading into the final period.

Despite the loss, Houston's Tari Eason had an impactful performance off the bench, scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds, including a thunderous breakaway dunk to cap off the first quarter.

The Pacers were without Reggie Bullock Jr. and Bruce Brown, but Obi Toppin stepped up off the bench, contributing seven points in 14 minutes of play.

Looking ahead, the Pacers will visit the Bulls on Thursday night, while the Rockets will host the Suns on Wednesday night.

Overall, the game was a thrilling and hard-fought contest, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of both teams. The Pacers' resilience and sharpshooting proved decisive, securing a crucial victory on the road.