Tyrese Haliburton’s triple-double helps Pacers win Game 4 vs. Knicks

Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton took the onus on his shoulders after they lost Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks despite having a double-digit lead. Haliburton had vowed to be more aggressive in the fourth game of the series, and he delivered as he promised.

On Tuesday night, he recorded a historic triple-double — 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, and didn’t concede a single turnover. Thus, he played an instrumental role in the Pacers’ 131-120 win in Game 4 and helped his side take a 3-1 lead in the series.

Haliburton became the first player in playoff history to put up at least 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds without a turnover.

“I was just trying to be aggressive,” Haliburton said. “Just trying to play my best. I felt like I let the team down in Game 3. I could have been so much better. I felt like I responded the right way today.”

Haliburton was delighted after he and his team performed when they were put on the back foot by the opposition.

“I just want to be able to prove that I can respond when my back’s against the wall, when our team’s back is against the wall,” he said. “This is a big win for us because if we go back down there 2-2, it’s a little different momentum-wise.”

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith revealed the game plan after a successful night on the court.

“Just getting back to us,” Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith said. “Playing our game and doing what we do best. Pushing the pace.”

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle also showered praise on Haliburton for his consistent performance.

“It’s pretty remarkable, but this has become his thing,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “There will be a new statistical category, perhaps, named after him somewhere down the line.

The fifth game of the series will be played Thursday in New York.