The Indiana Pacers fell to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, losing 126-119. However, they are still the talk of the town from their last game against the Bucks on March 11, when Tyrese Haliburton iced the game with a game-winning four-point play over Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It was easily the best shot of the year and perfectly encapsulates the Pacers' season, where they have found ways to beat teams perceived as "better" than them despite the stacked deck.
On Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans took a page from the Pacers' book.
The Pelicans fell to the San Antonio Spurs, losing 119-115. While it was a close and compelling game, neither De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, nor Zion Williamson suited up, so fans won't be blamed for missing it.
Down by four points in the final seconds, the Pelicans lined up in an identical stance to the Pacers and ran the "four verticals" play, with Jose Alverado, Kelly Olynyk, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III all sprinting out of the backcourt. Murphy III ended up catching the ball and heaving up a prayer, which clanged off the rim.
The Pelicans tried the Pacers four verts play tonight at the end of the 4th. Please watch Jose Alvarado run that route with no defender anywhere near him. pic.twitter.com/6qy3oPnRiz
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 16, 2025
Unlike Giannis closing out on Haliburton, Keldon Johnson didn't even get close to fouling the shooter. Granted, The Greek Freak was trying to prevent a tie game, and the Spurs already had the contest all but locked up, but still: the Pacers have introduced the league to the next hottest play.
Related: Bucks' Doc Rivers Explains Lack of Action Right Before Pacers' Game-Winning Shot
As teams get desperate to win and grapple for playoff seeding, expect the "four verticals" play to be ushered out more often and become a staple of late-game situations.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Pacers Reveal Glaring Weakness in Possible Playoff Preview vs. Bucks
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM.