Pacers and Hawks Combine for 309 Points in the Most Preposterous Game of the NBA Season
Tuesday night’s game between the Pacers and Hawks was expected to be a high-scoring affair.
According to Covers, the game’s over/under of 252.5 points was the highest betting total on record since 1995.
Indiana and Atlanta met those expectations and then some, playing to a wild, nearly defenseless 157–152 game in which the Pacers ultimately prevailed.
Tyrese Haliburton was the star of the show for Indiana, finishing the game with 37 points and 16 assists, including going 9-for-15 from three on the night.
Many of Haliburton’s highlights looked like they were pulled from an All-Star Game rather than a Tuesday night in November.
Tyrese Haliburton, sheesh. pic.twitter.com/4fRDKo8pWr
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) November 22, 2023
As the game went on, fans were tracking the live total, which had grown from 252.5 all the way to 302.5 points come the fourth quarter.
Pacers @ Hawks live total is officially over 300 ???? pic.twitter.com/xSkCmiqzqX
— Sam McQuillan (@sam_mcquill) November 22, 2023
While basketball traditionalists might be disgusted by the high-scoring affair, fans on social media were enthralled with the game.
Me pointing at the Pacers-Hawks score pic.twitter.com/0x6SmRgU5G
— Sean O’Connor (@soconnor76) November 22, 2023
That was one of the most spectacular and unbelievable games in history.
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) November 22, 2023
Pacers 157
Hawks 152 F
It's the:
Most points in NBA franchise history
Most combined points in a game in NBA franchise history
The Pacers erase a 20 pt lead and...
Win Group A of the In-Season tournament
this pacers-hawks game is insane lol
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) November 22, 2023
i think that was the most fun basketball game i’ve ever watched. go pacer
— kyle robbins (@kylerrobbins) November 22, 2023
One of the most fun wins I have ever witnessed!
— Facci (@_Facci) November 22, 2023
Pacers win 157-152 and clinch group A of the in-season tournament.
This game went from downright disappointing letting up a franchise worst 86 first half points to the Pacers than scoring a franchise best 157 points!
WHAT A WIN! pic.twitter.com/kEP7A9J59C
Every Pacers game gives All Star Game vibes
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) November 22, 2023
With the win, the Pacers secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference’s Group A of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, and with it a spot in the knockout round.