Tyrese Haliburton, Jay Huff (yes, Jay Huff) lead Pacers to easy win vs Nets
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Tyrese Haliburton, Jay Huff (yes, Jay Huff) lead Pacers to easy win vs Nets
Dustin Dopirak, Indianapolis Star·Indianapolis Star
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7 min read
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Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) boxes out against Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steals the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) pursues during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'ron Sharpe (20) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis (1) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Josh Minott (00) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) interacts with fans before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) boxes out against Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steals the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) pursues during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'ron Sharpe (20) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis (1) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/12
Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Josh Minott (00) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/12
Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/12
Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) interacts with fans before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Pacers lost star center Ivica Zubac to a left ankle sprain and had to make significant lineup shifts in a choppy first quarter against theNetsin Brooklyn on Sunday. However they regrouped and scored 78 points combined in the second and third quarters to pull away for a 136-109 win in the Barclays Center.
The Pacers improved to 2-1, earning their second victory of the season on Oct. 25 after it took them until Nov. 19 to get it in the 2025-26 season. The Nets fell to 0-3.
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Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 24 points and 10 assists. Forward Pascal Siakam had 21 points and forward Obi Toppin had 16. Guard Andrew Nembhard, center Jay Huff and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. had 14 each and forward Aaron Nesmith had 13. Guard Nolan Traore scored 17 to lead the Nets.
Here are three observations:
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) boxes out against Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steals the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) pursues during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'ron Sharpe (20) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis (1) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Josh Minott (00) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) interacts with fans before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) boxes out against Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steals the ball as Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) pursues during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'ron Sharpe (20) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis (1) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Josh Minott (00) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/12
Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (40) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/12
Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) interacts with fans before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indiana Pacers photos vs. Brooklyn Nets in NBA action
Oct 25, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Pacers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
(John Jones, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jay Huff steps up in Ivica Zubac's absence
Through the Pacers' first two games, Jay Huff had reason to wonder if he was being phased out of the team's plans.
After playing in all 82 games last season as one of just two Pacers who appeared in at least 70, Huff didn't check in at all in the season opener Wednesday against the Pelicans in New Orleans. On Friday against Dallas, he played just 5 minutes and 25 seconds, took one shot and didn't score. Larry Nance Jr., the Pacers' other nominal backup center, played just 6:32 combined minutes in the first two games so it wasn't clear Huff's position as backup center had been usurped. However, coach Rick Carlisle seemed more confident covering Ivica Zubac's minutes on the bench play using power forwards Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam at the 5.
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But when Zubac turned his ankle in the first quarter -- landing on forward Kelly Oubre Jr.'s foot when they were going for a rebound -- and then checked out from the game for good with 4:57 to play in the first period, Carlisle had no choice but to lean on Huff and Nance, and he put them both on the floor for a stretch during the first period.
Huff took full advantage of the opportunity, showing off his ability to protect the rim and shoot from outside. After finishing second in the NBA in total blocked shots to Victor Wembanyama last season, Huff registered three blocks and deterred more shots in the lane, helping the Pacers win the points in the paint battle 56-40. He also scored 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, knocking down 2 of 3 3-point attempts and both of his free throws. He grabbed two rebounds, dished out three assists and posted a +14 plus-minus figure in 20:41 on the floor, earning the second-half start and likely cementing his place in the starting five if Zubac has to miss time beyond Sunday.
Nance was also effective in his minutes, as he posted six points on 2 of 3 shooting including a made 3-pointer on his only attempt and grabbed six rebounds. He was +5 in 21:47 and will also be needed for time if Zubac is out for any additional time.
"All the sudden when Zu goes down with the ankle, these guys are called to duty," Carlisle said in his post-game press conference. "Both Huff and Nance really did a terrific job of being ready and doing what was necessary. Jay protected the rim and got rebounds. He hit some shots. Nance was very solid. He hit a 3 and made some really nice plays around the rim."
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If the Pacers are missing Zubac for any time going forward their roster becomes a lot thinner. Guard Ben Sheppard suffered a left meniscus tear in Wednesday's game in New Orleans and will miss multiple weeks at least. Point guard T.J. McConnell didn't even practice in training camp due to a hamstring strain and hasn't returned yet. Forward Johnny Furphy is still out after a February ACL tear. If Zubac is out tomorrow against the Bucks, the Pacers will have just 10 players available on standard contracts and will need help from their three players on two-way deals.
"With Sheppard being not available right now and T.J. is still not back yet, we need everybody," Carlisle said. "Our game isn't going to look exactly the way it's looked in recent months and years. But the important thing is to find a way to hang in and compete and give ourselves a chance."
Tyrese Haliburton goes off in second half
The Nets devoted considerable resources and length to denying Tyrese Haliburton opportunities, especially early. Haliburton was scoreless on two field goal attempts in the first quarter and had just four points on 1-of-3 shooting in the first half.
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But as the offense found some cohesion collectively with the lineup shakeups that came from Zubac's injury, Haliburton finally saw some opportunities in the third quarter and scored 10 points in the period on 4 of 6 shooting, including a dunk on a fast break in which he bounced the ball to himself and two 3-pointers. He kept the momentum going in the fourth and finished with 24 points on 8 of 13 shooting including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. He also dished out 10 assists for his second double-double in the season's first three games.
The dunk got the Pacers' bench out of their seats.
"Sometimes you have to just commit to the bit," Haliburton said in his post-game interview "I didn't really think I was going to do it. I was like, 'I should do it.' I had to do deice whether I should do it or not and you can't think about it or I'm going to mess it up. I think it was the ABA jerseys. I feel like Dr. J or something."
Haliburton immediately clarified that he was joking on the Dr. J reference and acknowledged that no one would ever compare his dunking ability to that of Julius Erving. That being said, it was notable to Carlisle as a milestone in Haliburton's return from injury.
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"There's a statement to be read there and that is that he's back," Carlisle said. "I don't know, that's the first off-two-feet dunk I think I've seen him have in the NBA. That's a very strong statement."
The Pacers were +29 in his 31:26 on the floor. He showed some level of fatigue in the first half of the first game of his first back-to-back since returning from his Achilles tendon injury. However, Haliburton said in his post-game interview with Pacers sideline reporter Jeremiah Johnson that he will be available for Monday's game against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
Wings set more physical tone
Carlisle said he was deeply disappointed with the "attitude and disposition" the Pacers started games with on Wednesday and Friday. They got away with it in New Orleans but didn't at home on Friday against Dallas when they fell behind by 37 points in the first quarter and didn't recover.
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Though the Pacers were disconnected in the first quarter on Sunday, they still played with more physicality and toughness and much of that seemed to come from the play of their wings, who had a lot to work through to find their footing.
Stalwart Aaron Nesmith got his first start of the season on Sunday after missing Wednesday's opener with a hamstring strain and coming off the bench Friday and that seemed to have an effect on the collective attitude. Nesmith has established himself as arguably the Pacers' most physically fearless competitor on the roster since being acquired from the Celtics in the summer of 2022. He scored 13 points in 19:25 on the floor and was +13 in his minutes. Oubre, a free agent signing in the offseason, has had early struggles, but he scored 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting and might have had more if not for foul trouble. Jarace Walker came off the bench and grabbed seven rebounds and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Pacers matched the physical Nets on the glass 40-40 and won the paint battle, keeping it close until they found their shooting strokes. They knocked down 21 3-pointers to put the game away.
