NBA: Utah Jazz defeats Milwaukee Bucks, while Indiana Pacers destroy Boston Celtics

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics 133-131 on Monday in the NBA after star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a terrifying injury.

One of the league’s brightest talents, Haliburton took a horrific fall at the conclusion of the second quarter at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena and was helped off the floor by teammates.

When he realized he had accidentally performed the splits while trying to change directions while driving in the direction of the hoop, the 23-year-old frowned.

Haliburton did not return to the game, and the Pacers subsequently stated he had strained his left hamstring.

Indiana was down 68-59 at the half, but Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to score 26 points to lead the comeback in the second half while Haliburton was sidelined.

After the Pacers were ruled to have fouled Jaylen Brown in the waning seconds, with the score tied at 131-131, a tense conclusion seemed to have favored Boston.

However, Indiana contested the call, and the foul was reversed to keep the score tied and offer the Pacers a last-ditch opportunity to win.

With a second remaining, Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis fouled Mathurin, and the Pacers shooting guard made two free throws to seal the game.

After the game, Mathurin said, “My role was to step up and help the team win because we lost our best player.”

“Even though Ty (Haliburton) was down, the team seemed to know exactly what to do.” Everyone needed to take the initiative. Be prepared to play if your name is called,” the Canadian said.

The depth of this squad is substantial. There are many players who can contribute to the game and play well. We had a fantastic victory.

The starters finished with 58 points, but the Pacers bench scored 75 points in total.

Brown scored the most points for Boston (40), followed by Jrue Holiday (21), and Porzingis (19).

With a record of 28-8, Boston continues to lead the Eastern Conference, while Indiana, in fifth place, has improved to 21-15.

While everything was going on, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s reaction to Haliburton’s injury and announced that the player will have an MRI on Tuesday.

“Our team put forth an incredible effort,” Carlisle said. Many different feelings in this game. We hope it’s not a major issue. He will get an MRI tomorrow.

Milwaukee continues to sink
In other Monday night action, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Washington Wizards 136–128 with to strong performances from Shai Gilgeous–Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

Even though Washington’s Jordan Poole scored 24 points, the young Thunder lineup eventually defeated the Wizards.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points in the end, while Chet Holmgren scored 31 points, making four of his five three-point attempts.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ current losing streak was extended when they fell to the Utah Jazz 132-116 at home.

After trailing for a short while in the first quarter, Utah took control for much the whole game, leading by 33 points soon before the half and winning easily.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in scoring with 25 points, while Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson led the Pacers with 21 points each. Antetokounmpo also finished with 10 rebounds and 11 assists to complete a triple double.

In Miami, the Heat defeated the Houston Rockets 120-113 thanks to 28 points from Tyler Herro and 22 from Bam Adebayo.

Terry Rozier scored 39 points in Charlotte, but it was unable to save the Hornets from losing to the Chicago Bulls 119–11. With 27 points, Coby White led the Bulls in scoring.