The Indiana Pacers clinched a 73-66 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 17, 2026, showcasing a gritty defensive effort and timely scoring that lifted them to a .500 record. Haliburton’s 19 points and 8 assists, combined with Myles Turner’s double‑double, propelled Indiana past New Orleans in a low‑scoring showdown.
Game Overview
First Half
The opening quarter was a defensive standoff, with Indiana’s perimeter pressure limiting New Orleans’ fast‑break attempts. The Pelicans held a slim 19‑15 edge after ten minutes, driven by Brandon Ingram’s early 8 points. Myles Turner anchored the Pacers’ paint, contributing seven points and three blocks to keep the game within reach.
Second Half
Indiana tightened its defense in the second quarter, forcing 12 turnovers that yielded 10 fast‑break points off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense, finishing with 19 points and eight assists. A contested 23‑footer three‑pointer in the third quarter sparked a 9‑2 run, giving the Pacers a 45‑38 lead heading into the final period.
Clutch Moments
In the fourth quarter, CJ McCollum’s mid‑range jumpers narrowed the gap to three points, but Haliburton answered with a baseline jumper with 1:45 left, extending the lead to six. A turnover‑free possession sealed the win, as the Pelicans missed their final three‑point attempt.
Key Performances
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – 19 points, 8 assists, 1 steal (game MVP)
- Myles Turner (Pacers) – 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks (double‑double)
- Zion Williamson (Pelicans) – 22 points, 7 rebounds
- Brandon Ingram (Pelicans) – 16 points, 4 rebounds
Statistical Summary
Both teams shot below 40% from the field: Pacers 38.5%, Pelicans 36.2%. The Pacers forced 18 turnovers compared to New Orleans’ 13 and out‑rebounded the Pelicans 42‑37.
Season Context
Entering the game, the Pacers were 12‑13, just outside the playoff bubble, while the Pelicans sat at 10‑15. The win moved Indiana to a 13‑13 record, positioning them within striking distance of the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed. New Orleans fell to 10‑16, intensifying concerns about offensive consistency.
Implications and Outlook
Pacers
Coach Rick Davis’ defensive scheme continues to rank among the league’s top ten for opponent field‑goal percentage. The team’s balanced attack, highlighted by Haliburton’s playmaking and Turner’s interior presence, will be tested next against the high‑scoring Boston Celtics.
Pelicans
The loss underscores the Pelicans’ need to improve ball movement and reduce isolation play. With Zion Williamson’s scoring still strong, the focus now shifts to developing a more fluid offensive system before their upcoming matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Bottom Line
The Pacers’ 73‑66 triumph over the Pelicans demonstrates that disciplined defense and timely scoring remain effective in the 2025‑26 NBA landscape. Indiana’s momentum could propel them into postseason contention, while New Orleans must adapt quickly to stay alive in the Western Conference race.
