The Indiana Pacers stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a crazy fourth-quarter comeback that was fittingly capped off with an incredible game-winning play in a 116-115 victory on Monday night.
Indiana trailed by 17 points — 101-84 — with under 10 minutes remaining, on the road. The Pacers came back to tie the game 113-113 with 39.8 seconds remaining, but LeBron James gave the Lakers the lead back on a layup with 20.8 seconds remaining.
The Lakers fouled Indiana with 8.7 seconds remaining, and then the Pacers followed with a chaotic possession that didn’t appear that it would be a success.
Myles Turner missed a three-point try, and Tyrese Haliburton got a long rebound before being surrounded by Lakers defenders.
With nowhere to go for a shot, Haliburton opted to throw a cross-court pass — which he released with under two seconds remaining — to Andrew Nembhard.
And the rookie out of Gonzaga nailed a three for the buzzer-beating win.
That’s a ridiculous possession, with Haliburton and Nembhard each making amazing plays.
That dime summarizes Haliburton’s abilities as a passer, which have been put on full display over the last three games. In fact, he’s the first player in NBA history to have 40-plus assists and zero turnovers over a three-game span.
The Pacers (12-8) are one of the NBA’s most exciting and surprising teams, full of youth and upside. And they certainly showed that off in this unforgettable victory.
As for the other side, it’s more heartbreak and frustration for the Lakers and their fans. Los Angeles falls to 7-12 with the loss.
Here’s a peek at how the basketball world is reacting to the Pacers’ buzzer-beater and comeback win:
https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1597484086007824385
The Pacers are the most fun team in sports
— Jay Rigdon (@jayrigdon5) November 29, 2022
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.