CHICAGO – In an exceptional display of playmaking, Tyrese Haliburton set a career-high with 20 assists without a single turnover, adding 21 points to guide the Indiana Pacers to a 120-104 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Haliburton’s performance etched his name in NBA history, becoming only the fifth player to record 20 or more assists without a turnover.
Despite concerns about his participation due to a sore lower back, Haliburton’s on-court brilliance was a testament to his resilience and skill. “You don’t get 20 assists without guys making a lot of shots,” Haliburton reflected, highlighting his teammates’ contributions to his record-setting night. His zero turnovers marked a significant turnaround, given his recent struggles with ball security.
Myles Turner led the Pacers’ scoring with 24 points, while Buddy Hield added 19 points. Indiana’s proficient shooting, especially from the 3-point line (19 of 42), played a crucial role in their victory. This win marked their second consecutive triumph, showcasing their offensive firepower.
The game witnessed a dramatic shift when the Bulls, after trailing by as much as 25 points, mounted a robust comeback. They briefly took the lead at 93-90 with eight minutes remaining. However, Haliburton, assuming the role of a closer, responded with crucial late three-pointers to suppress Chicago’s rally.
Haliburton’s pivotal assists included a key pass to Hield for a three-pointer that had earlier pushed Indiana’s lead to 19 points in the third quarter. His celebratory gesture towards the Chicago bench after this play underscored the Pacers’ dominance at that moment. However, the Bulls didn’t relent, narrowing the gap to 85-77 entering the fourth quarter with a 14-1 run.
For the Bulls, Patrick Williams led the scoring with 22 points, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 21 points. The team, grappling with injuries, particularly missed All-Star guard Zach Lavine, absent for the last 14 games due to a foot issue. Coby White, stepping up in Lavine’s absence, had a challenging night, scoring 16 points on 5-for-19 shooting.
Turner emphasized the importance of defense in the Pacers’ victory, noting it as one of their best defensive games of the season. The Pacers’ collective effort limited the Bulls to 104 points, a season-low for the Chicago team.
Looking Ahead
The Pacers, carrying the momentum from this impressive win, will host the New York Knicks on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Bulls, looking to recover from this setback, will face the Philadelphia 76ers at home on the same night.
