The Indiana Pacers had a successful road trip no matter what happens in the final game
By Ryan Stano
The Indiana Pacers started this road trip needing to win at least three out of the five games for it to be a successful one. They have played some tough teams on the road, including three California teams hungry for wins. After four games, the Pacers have won three contests.
Against the Clippers on Monday night was their most impressive victory. They took Los Angeles down 133-116 with another huge game from Pascal Siakam. He had 31 points and has been the Pacers' high-scorer in five of their last six games.
While getting the wins on this trip was extremely important, getting their best player back on track was the most important thing that happened. Tyrese Haliburton is back. His shooting stroke seems to have returned and it couldn't be happening at a better time for Indiana.
The Indiana Pacers have the old Tyrese Haliburton back
On the first four games of this road trip, Haliburton is shooting 50% from three. Whatever slump he was in is now a thing of the past. He had 21 points against the Clippers while making 6/9 from beyond the arc. When he is shooting like this, the Pacers are a hard team to beat.
Indiana is picking up some momentum at the perfect time. They are still in the Eastern Conference standings jumble right now so any loss could knock them into the play-in. They currently stand at 6th, but are also just three games back of the banged-up Knicks for fourth.
The Indiana Pacers have one more game on this road trip, a date with the Bulls on Wednesday. No matter what happens in that game, this road trip has been a resounding success because it allowed Haliburton to get back on track offensively. With him and Siakam playing at this level, the Pacers are actually a really dangerous playoff team.
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Of course, the Pacers need to be healthy too. Aaron Nesmith missed the game on Monday and he is their best perimeter defender. He needs to be out there for the team to play at its best too.