On Thursday night, the Indiana Pacers overwhelmed the Washington Wizards with an exceptional offensive display, achieving an NBA season-high score of 162 points and securing a 53-point victory. This dominant win marks the third-largest margin of victory in the current season.
The Pacers` 162 points represent the highest score by an NBA team in a non-overtime game since 2008. Playing back-to-back after a narrow loss to the Lakers, Indiana set a new franchise record with 27 successful 3-pointers and an impressive 48 assists, also a league-leading figure this season.
These remarkable statistics are season highs for the Pacers, who have emerged as one of the league`s top teams recently and have built a two-game lead for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
- Field-goal percentage: .641
- Bench points: 85
- First-half points: 83
- First-quarter points: 45
- Third-quarter points: 42
The Pacers` scoring could have been even higher, but they began taking shot-clock violations in the final minutes. With a 37-point lead after the third quarter, they could have essentially ceased scoring altogether.
Tyrese Haliburton spearheaded the Pacers` attack with 29 points and seven 3-pointers. In total, eight Pacers players reached double figures in scoring. Myles Turner contributed 17 points, Jarace Walker added 16, and Obi Toppin scored 15.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, after his team`s previous win against Indiana, praised the Pacers, stating, “They don`t ever, ever get talked about enough nationally. They`re a phenomenal basketball team.”
The Pacers` strength is undeniable, supported by the fact that only four teams have recorded more wins since January 1st. Their success is attributed to Haliburton`s offensive control and a consistently strong defense that has ranked within the top 10 over the past three months.
Jasper Hawthorne