The Indiana Pacers are one win away from the NBA Finals. Should they finish the job, it will be the franchise's first time playing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy since 2000.
Teams don't win solely because of one individual, especially not a squad that often deploys five members of its second unit. However, Indiana's 130-121 Game 4 win over the New York Knicks featured a historic night from Tyrese Haliburton.
With his dad back in the building, the Pacers' star guard generated 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without committing a turnover. He's the first player in postseason history to accomplish that.
Until now, only Oscar Robertson, who did it twice, and Nikola Jokic had registered at least 30 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a playoff game. Haliburton’s the second player in league history to record a 30-point triple-double with no turnovers.
Regarding having his dad there to witness his record-setting night, Haliburton told TNT's Allie LaForce, "I'm glad Pop's in the building. It makes it that much more sweet."
Not to short-change his historic night, the six-foot-five guard also swiped four steals. It's a testament to his all-around impact in a matchup that may decide this series. Knowing the outcome and that Indiana has a 3-1 lead, it probably should.
Haliburton's masterclass came with a side of efficiency. He shot 47.8 percent from the field and converted on 5/12 attempts from behind the arc [41.7 percent]. That included this triple from in front of the logo.
The franchise floor general is at the heart of Indiana's up-tempo operation; Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals was no exception. The Pacers parlayed 17 turnovers by the Knicks into 20 points. Whether Haliburton was responsible for the theft that sparked their transition attack or a teammate quickly got him the ball, he relentlessly pushed the pace to create quality scoring chances.
A dramatic change helped the Pacers produce the desired outcome
As Reggie Miller repeatedly harped on at the end of New York's 106-100 victory in Game 3, the visitors' ability to go on runs to close quarters was essential to their comeback win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Knicks trimmed a 20-point deficit to 13 at halftime on Sunday. They went on a 9-4 run to end the third quarter. And in the last six minutes of the final frame, New York outscored Indiana 17-10 to complete their comeback.
But on Tuesday, the hosts flipped the script. The Pacers made runs to close the first three periods. They went on a 12-5 burst to end the first quarter with a 43-35 edge.
In the ensuing frame, the score went from tied at 56 with four minutes remaining to Indiana leading 69-64 at halftime. They outpaced New York 15-9 to finish the third quarter. That extended their lead to 11 with 12 minutes left.
That gave them the cushion needed to stave off another comeback bid by the Knicks.
Without addressing an area that undermined the Pacers and prevented them from seizing a 3-0 lead, they wouldn't be heading to Madison Square Garden one win away from punching a long-awaited ticket to the NBA Finals.