Pacers Rankings: Top 5 moments of the 2022-23 Pacers

The Indiana Pacers played their last game of the 2022-23 season on Sunday, but the air around the franchise is still buzzing with anticipation of future success.  Though they missed the NBA Playoffs for the third consecutive year, the young Pacers willed themselves into big moments, looked into the brightest of lights, and delivered performances far beyond what anyone believed they were capable of.  Here are the top-5 moments of a memorable Pacers season, ranked:

Honorable Mention:

Chris Duarte haunts the Nets on Halloween 

Chris Duarte’s 30-point eruption against the Nets was a highlight in an otherwise difficult start to the season for the second year guard.  After struggling to find rhythm through the first 11 games of the year, Duarte reminded Pacers’ fans of his potential by sinking 10 of his 15 shots–5 of those from beyond the arc.

Myles Turner blocks Mason Plumlee at the rim to seal game for Pacers

Myles Turner posted 4 blocks and a game-high 29 points against the Hornets in early January.  His most impressive block was his rejection of Mason Plumlee at the rim to seal the game for the Pacers.

5. Andrew Nembhard and the shorthanded Pacers triumph against Warriors

No other point guards?  No problem for Andrew Nembhard.  His 31 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds pushed the limping Pacers past the defending champs, stopping a three game slide in early December.  Nembhard was active on the defensive end as well–he held Stephen Curry to just 12 points and 18% shooting from the field.

4. Tyrese Haliburton hits game-winner over Patrick Beverly, silences off-court drama

Tyrese Haliburton let his game do the talking after Patrick Beverly caused an off-court stir surrounding his ability to defend Haliburton.  Tyrese hit a game-winning three over Beverly en route to a Pacers win in Chicago.  He went 6 of 9 from 3-point range on his way to a 29-point outing, and added 11 assists to his box score totals.

3. Aaron Nesmith puts Jarrett Allen on the ugliest of posters

Aaron Nesmith’s debut Pacers season was not without the occasional highlight play, credit to his other-worldly athleticism.  This drive along the baseline after attacking a close-out resulted in Nesmith putting Cav’s big man Jarrett Allen all over a poster.  Gainbridge Fieldhouse was captivated in collective disbelief as it witnessed one of the most disrespectful dunks of the year.

2. Andrew Nembhard nails game winner over LeBron James

Andrew Nembhard salvaged an otherwise lackluster night for the blue and gold by sinking a last-second 3-point shot over LeBron James.  The Pacers risked a losing streak in the beginning of the dreaded west coast road trip when Nembhard’s heroics lifted them to a win over the Lakers.  The on-court anarchy that ensued following the buzzer drew even Kevin Pritchard out of his seat and into the fray.

1. Tyrese Haliburton sets franchise record for 3PM in a single game with game-winner

Tyrese Haliburton has been followed by whispers of “the next Reggie Miller” since arriving in Indiana last season.  It’s fair to say he’s lived up to the hype, especially with his masterclass performance against the Heat in late December.  Haliburton connected on 10 of his 16 3-point attempts, good enough to break the franchise record for 3-point field goals made in a single game.  He finished the game with 43 points, 7 assists, and an ice-cold game-winner.

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Stats via NBA.com.