The beginning of the season has been tough for the Indiana Pacers (6-10) including Haliburton as they have lost three consecutive games and five out of their last six. Their most recent defeat, a 129-117 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, showcases their difficulties in the Emirates NBA Cup, where they have yet to win a game since coming in second place last season.
Haliburton Searching for His Groove
Tyrese Haliburton, who played a crucial role in the Pacers’ unexpected journey to the Eastern Conference finals last year, is starting off slowly. Haliburton’s overall shooting percentage has dropped to 37.8% and his three-point shooting has decreased to 29.4%, showing a significant decrease compared to last year. He is now scoring 15.5 points per game, a decrease from 20.1, but he is still averaging 8.5 assists per game.
Haliburton acknowledged the need to improve after Friday’s loss, even with his 18-point and nine-assist game.
Injuries Add to the Challenge
The issues faced by the Pacers extend further than just Haliburton. Important contributors such as Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard are still out with injuries, leaving the team shorthanded. However, despite this, Pascal Siakam, a forward, remains unwilling to blame injuries, stating, “It happens to everyone.” “You are not allowed to make it a justification.”
Finding Positives Amid Losses
During the near-comeback against the Bucks, Coach Rick Carlisle noticed some positive signs from the Pacers. Indiana overcame a 25-point gap to narrow it down to six in the final quarter, displaying resilience and enhanced collaboration. Carlisle commended the team’s dedication, underscoring the significance of solidarity and perseverance going forward.
The Pacers come back to their home court for an important four-game series, with the goal of changing their luck. Indiana aims to develop better routines and begin moving up the Eastern Conference rankings with Haliburton at the forefront.
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