Bench Heroics Not Enough for Pacers as Tyrese Haliburton Disappears
Bench Heroics Not Enough for Pacers as Tyrese Haliburton Disappears originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Pacers, once again, found themselves down by a substantial amount. They trailed by 18 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter and 16 in the third, although, as expected, the Pacers were able to mount a comeback.
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The Pacers cut the deficit to two points before ultimately falling short, losing 120-109 and falling 3-2 in the series.
Pascal Siakam's 28 points led Indiana, although TJ McConnell stole the show. He finished with 18 of his own and contributed to 18 of the Pacers' third-quarter points. He added two steals and four assists for good measure and was, at times, the best player on the court.
McConnell's heroics might be overshadowed by Tyrese Haliburton's horrid outing. He made zero field goals and finished with only four points and six assists, and will simply need to be much, much better in Game 6.
He helped lead the Pacers to the Finals, although he disappeared when his team needed him most.
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MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was spectacular on both ends of the floor, racking up 31 points, 10 assists, two steals, and four blocks, although he, like Siakam, was usurped by a teammate, with Jalen Williams leading all scorers with 40 points.
Williams, more than anyone else, has leaned into physicality on both ends of the floor and is playing the gritty basketball that disillusioned fans claim they miss.
While the Pacers were able to briefly close the gap, it was too little, too late, and the series will return for a win-or-go-home Game 6 in Indiana on Thursday, and all eyes will be focused on whether Haliburton can bounce back or if the Pacers will have to settle for second place.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
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Related: NBA Finals Betting Odds Reveal Two Truths for Indiana Pacers
Related: Magic and Grizzlies Set NBA Trade Market, Could Key Pacers Fetch a Massive Price?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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