2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers big-time win over Washington Wizards
By Jack Simone
In their first game without Tyrese Haliburton since his hamstring injury, the Indiana Pacers picked up a great win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, 112-104.
Haliburton has been the engine that runs everything the Pacers do this season, but this was a nice warm-up game against a bottom-feeding team in the East.
Jordan Poole did his best to will the Wizards to victory, though he struggled with his efficiency from distance, and Kyle Kuzma posted an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Let’s take a look at two studs and one dud from the Pacers’ big-time win over the Wizards on Wednesday night, in which they allowed a (tied for) season-low 104 points.
Stud - Myles Turner
Heading into the season, Myles Turner was pegged as the second-best player on the Pacers behind Tyrese Haliburton, and despite some down nights, he’s been solid this season.
And with Haliburton sidelined on Wednesday, Turner stepped up in a big way, leading the team in scoring and rebounding, absolutely dominating the offensive boards in the process.
Turner ended the game with 18 points, 13 rebounds (six on the offensive glass), three assists, and two steals while shooting 7-of-15 from the field and 1-of-5 from behind the three-point line.
The three-point efficiency wasn’t quite there for Turner against the Wizards, but it didn’t matter. He made his impact in other areas of the game and was one of the best players on the floor for Indiana.
If the Pacers are going to stay afloat without Haliburton, he’s going to have to be one of the guys leading the charge.