A significantly better roster for the Washington than past seasons, not sure about the defensive acumen though. Avdija with good back to back baskets. Indiana with a bit of makeshift lineup. Hield with back to back 3's for the Pacers, out to a double-digit lead. Kuzma hits a buzzer-beater to end the 1st, bringing the Wizards back within 8. Indiana put up 75 in the 1st half, with the 3-ball and getting to the line, up 15. Haliburton making everything, halting a comeback. The Pacers hold an 11-point lead going into the last. Turner having an impactful game, but the difference between him getting space for a shot and putting it on the floor ending up with some garbage attempt's astronomical. That's the defensive acumen I mentioned, not that you get up on him to start the game, but take it away once he hits a few and certainly don't foul because that's open shots at the line. Washington goes on a run to get it back to 6, but Hield with back to back hoops shuts them down. Both teams shot well, the Pacers 52% from 3 and more productive at the line. Everything else pretty much the same. Haliburton with an efficient 25 points, 12 assists and just the 1 turnover. Turner an efficient 27 points, 10 boards and 5 blocks. Hield an efficient 25 points, 5 boards. For the Wizards, Beal an efficient 31 points, 7 boards and 3 steals. Porzingis 22 points, 6 boards.
3. (Ind) T. Haliburton, 2. (Ind) M. Turner, 1. (Was) B. Beal.
3. (Ind) T. Haliburton, 2. (Ind) M. Turner, 1. (Was) B. Beal.