NBA In-Season Tournament Update: Lakers Lead in West, Pacers Maintain Momentum
After five group-play nights, the NBA’s In-Season Tournament progressed with a reduced Tuesday slate of only five games. While three matches lacked competitiveness, the remaining two compensated for it. In Philadelphia, the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched a thrilling 122-119 overtime victory against the 76ers, marking one of their standout wins of the season despite playing without Donovan Mitchell and Isaac Okoro.
However, the highlight of the night unfolded in Atlanta, where the Hawks and Pacers combined for a whopping 309 points within regulation. Despite trailing by 20 early on, the Indiana Pacers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, securing a 157-152 victory over the Hawks. This game made history as only the seventh in the NBA where both teams scored 150 points in regular time, without heading into overtime.
Here are the key takeaways from Tuesday’s action as the knockout stage of the tournament begins to shape up:
The Indiana Pacers, winning their first three tournament games, have secured East Group A’s spot in the knockout stage. Despite one remaining game against the winless Detroit Pistons, they’ve essentially secured the head-to-head tiebreaker with all other group participants.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with a flawless 4-0 record in West Group A, secured their place without requiring tiebreakers. Their victory over the Utah Jazz solidified their position, boasting a tournament point differential of +74. They’ll host a quarterfinal game on Dec. 4 or 5, needing a win to advance to Las Vegas.
The upcoming Friday matchups will offer a clearer view of teams headed to the knockout stage:
The Magic’s win against the Raptors sets up a crucial clash with the Celtics. A Boston victory ensures their win in East Group C. If Orlando wins, they take control, potentially leading to a tiebreaker situation involving the Magic, Celtics, and Nets.
The Knicks and Heat face off in East Group B. A Miami win complicates matters for the Knicks, making the Heat vs. Bucks game crucial. A Knicks win might set up a three-way tie among the Knicks, Bucks, and Heat.
Indiana Pacers have showcased high-scoring games this season, leading the league in points against Atlanta with 157, marking the season’s highest tally. Their offensive prowess ranks first in the league, accompanied by a wide margin over the second-placed Mavericks. However, their defense ranks 29th, just ahead of the Hornets. While the Pacers might not clinch the tournament, their style promises an entertaining journey. Tyrese Haliburton’s debut on TNT during the knockout stage is set to introduce this rising star to the global audience
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