PARIS — In a thrilling showcase of basketball talent, Tyrese Haliburton delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 16 of his impressive 28 points during a breathtaking 2-1/2 minute surge late in the third quarter. Pascal Siakam also contributed significantly with 23 points, leading the Indiana Pacers to a commanding victory over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, finishing the NBA Paris Games finale with a dominant score of 136-98.

The Pacers showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, with Andrew Nembhard adding 15 points, Myles Turner contributing 14, Bennedict Mathurin scoring 13, and TJ McConnell rounding out the scoring with 12 points. After establishing a 15-point lead by halftime, the Pacers faced a brief setback when they fell behind by one in the third quarter. However, they quickly regained control and surged ahead, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork throughout the remainder of the game.

On the other side, Wembanyama had a notable performance, recording 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Spurs. Despite his efforts, the Spurs were unable to replicate their earlier series success, as they had previously won the series opener by a substantial 30-point margin. Harrison Barnes led the scoring for San Antonio with 25 points, while Stephon Castle chipped in with 17 points, showcasing the team’s depth and potential.

Wembanyama’s shooting efficiency was evident as he made 7 of 16 attempts from the field. Additionally, he contributed defensively with two steals, two assists, and a block, further highlighting his all-around impact on the game.

For the Pacers, Haliburton’s remarkable performance included a flawless shooting stretch where he went six for six from the field during that critical late third-quarter period, with four of those shots coming from beyond the three-point line. The Pacers capitalized on this momentum, making seven of their final eight shots in the third quarter, which allowed them to expand their lead to 15 points and maintain a significant advantage as they entered the fourth quarter.

From the Spurs’ perspective, this matchup marked the fourth instance in which they faced the same opponent in a two-game series this season. Unfortunately for San Antonio, they have not yet managed to sweep any of these series, finishing 1-1 against both the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets after winning the first game, suffering a 0-2 record against Memphis, and now finishing 1-1 against the Pacers.

As the game drew to a close, Wembanyama exited the court with 3:35 remaining, leaving the Spurs trailing 127-97. Despite the challenging outcome, he received a warm and appreciative reception from the Paris crowd, demonstrating the strong connection he has with his home fans.

Haliburton’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he scored 18 points in the third quarter alone, marking his highest-scoring quarter of the entire season, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial moments and lead his team effectively.

Looking ahead, both teams will have a break before returning to their respective home courts for upcoming games on Wednesday. The Spurs will aim to bounce back as they host the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Pacers will look to continue their winning momentum against the Detroit Pistons.