INDIANAPOLIS — Tyrese Haliburton, one of the Knicks' most tormented players in last season's playoffs, entered Sunday in a deep slump.
He came out of that situation Sunday with a season-high 35 points and 14 assists in a 132-121 win over the Knicks.
“Look at the look in his eyes. It was a no-brainer,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “You can say other bullish things, but it's when you just look into the eyes of a great player and you know he's going to be great.
“They are determined to not only play great individual games, but games that have a big impact on themselves and their teammates.”
Before Sunday, the All-Star guard's production had dropped off significantly, averaging 14.7 points while shooting just 38 percent overall and a very low 25 percent from the field.
Carlisle removed all excuses before the game, but he didn't need them after the game.
“Listen, he’s a great player, he’s going to be fine,” Carlisle said. “I've been through this a few times, but even though he was on the Olympic team this summer, he didn't play much, he couldn't train much, because he actually 'Cause I got hurt during the game.''He was there.
“And he was battling another illness until the fall.”
The persistent jeers from fans near the bench got so bad that the Knicks asked him to leave on Sunday.
But Josh Hart told the Post that security was not required and fans were not removed, even though it happened “as it does every game.” Part of the incident was captured by the MSG network, which released footage of Hart pointing to the stands.
One of the nine rules of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct states that “guests are to enjoy the basketball experience without foul language, abusive language, obscene gestures or other disruptive behavior.”
Caitlin Clark, who plays home games for the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, had a front row seat to the Pacers' victory.
The Pacers paid tribute to longtime Knicks radio analyst Brendan Brown, who passed away suddenly last week at the age of 54 due to health complications.
Brown's spot was “reserved” with a framed photo of him holding an MSG microphone. Brown, the son of former Knicks coach Hubie Brown, replaced legendary Jon Andalese in 2012 after more than a decade on Knicks radio broadcasts.
A memorial service for Mr. Brown will be held from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday at Doyle Funeral Home in Morristown, New Jersey.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Convent (Delbarton School), 230 Mendham Road, Morristown.
Coach Tom Thibodeau says Cam Payne is faster than Precious Achiuwa in recovering from a hamstring strain. Payne was injured on Nov. 1, and Achiuwa has not played yet this season after injuring his hamstring in the final preseason game.
Thibodeau didn't want to speculate on whether either would be available for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, but Payne seems like a possibility.
“Cam is revealing more on the court, so he's progressing further,” Thibodeau said. “Precious hasn't been cleared to practice yet. He's been doing a lot on the court, but he's not cleared to practice. So there's one more step before we can say he's close. ”
