How the Pacers clinched Group A (Patreon)

Welcome back to the film room! 

By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper

In what can only be described as an early preview of the All-Star Game that will be coming to Indy in February, the Pacers got a jump-start on the high-scoring, lack of defense that usually hallmarks the league's annual game for stars. After all, this game had plenty of starry plays from Tyrese Haliburton, who tied the franchise-record for points scored in a quarter, while also getting the help he's been needing from several key contributors against exaggerated coverages. 

After giving up 86 points in the first half, the Pacers clawed back from a 20-point deficit against a Hawks' defense that, well, can be a bit clawless, but they made several adjustments of their own that are worth giving a closer look. Join me, as we relive what was arguably one of the wildest and craziest games ever.

Timestamps: 

0:00 - Introductions

1:11 - "The defense for the Pacers is a *little* suspect"

4:06 - Aaron Nesmith and Buddy Hield are starters again (for this game, at least)

5:00 - Myles Turner didn't play in the fourth quarter, an explanation

8:54 - It's a trap!

11:45 - Fun, solid stretch from Isaiah Jackson

16:48 - Tyrese Haliburton's third-quarter scoring bonanza

19:44 - Get that man some help!

21:09 - Obi Toppin has a big game -- as expected. Not expected -- closing with him.

24:24 - The Haliburton-Hield wavelength is so back

26:30 - Thank you and Goodbye

Enjoy the video!