Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton outdoes Luka Doncic on both of their birthdays

The Good

Offense. 70 points at the half, 106 after the 3rd quarter. By the end of the game, 122. 5 Pacer players ended up in double figures, and the team shot over 50% from the field. What an offensive performance. Not only that, the team got to the free throw line consistently, which has not necessarily been the case over the past month or so.

It was fun to watch the Pacers hit big shot after big shot against the the Mavs. I was worried during the first quarter when it felt that Dallas may go out to a quick lead, but the Pacers weathered the storm and then started to pile it on.

Sometimes the game of basketball can seem complicated, but the Pacers showed throughout the game that sometimes it’s simple. Make some shots, and you will give yourself a good chance to win. That’s what the Pacers were able to do in Dallas.

The Bad

Guarding Luca Doncic is not easy, but the Pacers struggled mightily in the first quarter. Doncic was getting the calls, headed to the free throw line almost at will, and ended with 18 points by the end of the first quarter.

I’m always in awe at how Luca can get himself open and use his body to generate contact to get to the free throw line. He is a terrific player who is almost impossible to bottle up. Luckily the Pacers were hitting enough shots tonight, they were able to withstand the Mavericks late surge and pull off the victory.