Tyrese Haliburton’s return for Pacers spoiled by disastrous NBA officiating

Boom Baby!

Today’s choice for Pacers player of the game is about the easiest choice that could be made all season. Tyrese Haliburton welcome back!

Haliburton looked like his normal self, slicing through defenders, getting into the lane, dropping dimes to teammates for open shots, and hitting big shots throughout the game. The first quarter was one of anticipation because of the announcement before tip-off that Tyrese had been named a reserve for the All-Star Game in Utah. What an honor for the floor general of the Pacers.

https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1621299696495984642

You would think there would be some rust after being sidelined for 10 games, but Haliburton’s line speaks for itself: 26 points, 12 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and only 4 turnovers. More important for the Pacers, he is the leader needed to win games, even if it did not work out in the final score against the Lakers. Clearly, he’s an All-Star, and I’m so thrilled that the rest of the league recognized his efforts so far this season.

As good as Haliburton was today, the play of the game has to go to Isaiah Jackson. With only a few seconds left in the 3rd quarter, Jackson sent a ripple effect throughout the Circle City with this electric putback slam.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1621324508454965248

What an energizing evening for the Pacers. Without Haliburton the passed few weeks, it has been a rough road, but let’s see what this team can do heading into the weekend with a matchup against the Kings and former Pacers All-Star, Domatas Sabonis.