Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers to victory over Timberwolves
- Tyrese Haliburton excelled with 24 points and 11 assists, and Obi Toppin added 20 points with six 3-pointers.
- The Pacers pulled ahead significantly in the third quarter, making nine three-point shots to build a 95-73 lead.
- With this victory, the Pacers have won five straight games, while the Timberwolves struggle, losing three of their last four.
In a decisive game held in Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers managed to secure a significant victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 24, 2025. Tyrese Haliburton showcased an exceptional performance, ending the night with 24 points and 11 assists, which marked his 11th consecutive game with a double-double. This impressive streak not only highlights Haliburton's growing skill but also plays a key role in the Pacers maintaining their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Alongside him, Obi Toppin contributed with 20 points, emphasizing Indiana's strong offensive capabilities. The match saw Indiana establish dominance early on, as they never trailed throughout the game. A noteworthy turning point occurred in the third quarter when the Pacers unleashed a barrage of three-pointers that left the Timberwolves struggling to keep pace. By making nine three-pointers in the third quarter alone, Indiana expanded a modest lead into a more comfortable 22-point advantage. As a result, the Timberwolves found it impossible to close the gap, enabling the Pacers to secure their fifth consecutive win and solidify their position ahead of Milwaukee for the Eastern Conference's No. 4 seed. For Minnesota, this loss marked their third defeat in four games, raising concerns about their performance as they aim to recover from a previous seven-game winning streak. Despite Naz Reid's leading contribution of 20 points, the team faced challenges, particularly with Anthony Edwards, who played with a hand injury after being a game-time decision. Rudy Gobert's notable double-double showing, with 16 points and 16 rebounds, also went in vain, highlighting that although the individual performances were commendable, the collective effort was lacking. As the Pacers continue their five-game homestand, they are reportedly experiencing some of their best basketball this season, evidenced by their consistent ability to perform well in varying game situations. The Timberwolves need to find an avenue to reverse their current trajectory in order to secure one of the top six playoff spots in the Western Conference. Looking ahead, both teams are gearing up for their next matchups, with Indiana set to host the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota slated to face the Phoenix Suns. The outcome of these upcoming games could prove crucial for both teams' playoff aspirations.