1. Tyrese Haliburton playing at an All-Star level
Indiana's starting point guard is living up to the hype and expectations the coaching staff placed on him entering the season. Haliburton is averaging 23.5 points and 11.6 assists a game.
His shooting is efficient, too, with a field goal percentage of 50.8% and a three-point percentage of 43.2%. Haliburton is a lightning rod for this Pacers offense, as they are averaging a league-high 128.1 points per game.
In back to back games at Philadelphia, Haliburton posted record-breaking numbers. In the two contests, he had a combined 32 assists and zero turnovers. Zero!
His ability to handle the ball, score at will, and incorporate his teammates has been an asset for the Pacers. Haliburton's defense has been stellar as well, as he already has eight blocks and eleven steals in his first eleven games played this season.
2. The Pacers have a winning record
That's right! Indiana is above .500 entering Thanksgiving and are on pace to make the playoffs had the season ended today.
They have missed the postseason the past four years. Getting off to a strong start is important for Rick Carlisle's squad given their aspirations for the 2023-24 campaign.
Despite having one of the league's worst offenses, they are outscoring opponents. In addition to Haliburton, the Pacers have seven other players averaging double-digits in scoring this season.
Furthermore, Indiana has three more players averaging 7.5 points per game or better. Essentially this roster is deep and built for winning.