The Indiana Pacers earned a hard-fought victory on Sunday, defeating the Miami Heat 119-110 in a thrilling rematch after losing to the same team on Friday. Determined to bounce back, the Pacers focused on doing the little things right, and their improved execution made the difference.
The Pacers only defeated the Heat in two of the four quarters, but they dominated those periods by a combined 15 points, ultimately securing a nine-point win.
They lost the other two quarters by just six points, showing a balanced effort. Indiana’s shooting was a key factor as they hit 52% from the field and an impressive 44.8% from three-point range. As Miami attempted more threes, the Pacers’ efficiency from deep proved decisive. They also won the battle on the boards, beating the Heat 45-38, and matching Miami in turnovers, limiting their mistakes.
A key takeaway was the Pacers’ ability to secure a win despite Miami still missing their star, Jimmy Butler. The Heat fell to 2-2 without Butler, who has been sidelined since spraining his right ankle against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 8. Butler is expected to return Monday against the 76ers, but the Pacers didn’t let his absence overshadow their focus. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points, but Indiana effectively kept the rest of the roster in check. It is notable that Haywood Highsmith, who came on for Butler, did not score, while Kevin Love managed only eight points after his strong performance on Friday. Overall, Indiana limited Miami to just four players in double figures, keeping the Heat’s offense in check.
A concerning development for the Pacers was the injury to Ben Sheppard, who left Sunday’s game with a left oblique. The team has already struggled with injuries this season and cannot afford to lose another key contributor. Sheppard’s future status will be crucial as the Pacers navigate a challenging schedule. The victory was made possible by standout performances from Indiana’s stars. Myles Turner led the way with a dominant effort of 34 points and nine rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton added 16 points, 13 assists and two blocks. Their leadership played a key role in securing victory and recovering from Friday’s defeat.
Now 6-7, the Pacers hit the road for a three-game trip. Sunday’s win showed their resilience and ability to respond under pressure, a promising sign as they continue to build momentum this season.
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