Tyrese Haliburton dominates as Pacers defeat Spurs in Paris
- Tyrese Haliburton scored 16 points in a key stretch in the third quarter, leading the Indiana Pacers to victory.
- The Pacers dominated the game with multiple players scoring in double figures and improved their season record.
- The defeat marked a disappointing end to a significant week for Wembanyama, who has gained considerable attention in the NBA.
In Paris, France, on January 25, 2025, the Indiana Pacers convincingly defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 136-98 in the NBA Paris Games finale. Tyrese Haliburton was a standout player, scoring 28 points, 16 of which came during a pivotal stretch late in the third quarter. The Pacers established a strong lead by halftime and maintained their momentum after briefly trailing in the third quarter. Alongside Haliburton, other notable scores for the Pacers included Pascal Siakam with 23 points, Andrew Nembhard with 15, Myles Turner with 14, Bennedict Mathurin with 13, and TJ McConnell with 12. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The match marked a significant turning point for the Pacers after they had lost their previous encounter with the Spurs by 30 points earlier in the same week. This victory improved the Pacers’ record to 25-20 for the season. Haliburton's remarkable performance included a sequence of six consecutive shots made in the third quarter, helping Indiana widen the gap to a commanding 15-point lead late in the game. As the Pacers built their advantage, the Spurs struggled to regain their footing and ultimately succumbed to the loss. Victor Wembanyama's much-anticipated return to Paris garnered attention beyond the basketball court; celebrities like Pharrell Williams were present to witness the game. Despite the defeat, Wembanyama's presence in Paris was a significant milestone for him, representing his status as one of the NBA's rising stars at just 21 years old. Throughout the week, he engaged with fans, attended cultural events, and emphasized the importance of his experience in the city. As both teams move forward, they are scheduled to host home games on January 28, 2025, with the Spurs facing the Los Angeles Clippers and the Pacers playing against the Detroit Pistons. This match demonstrated not only the talents of individual players but also the evolving dynamics and rivalries within the NBA, especially as teams strive for playoff positioning halfway through the season.