LA Lakers come from behind for win: Feb. 2nd, 2023

The NBA had a big schedule on Thursday night. In one of the early games, the Indiana Pacers hosted the LA Lakers. The game carried some significance as the Pacers were more than happy to see Tyrese Haliburton retake the courts. Their star point guard had been out for several games and the Pacers suffered several losses accordingly.

But the Thursday game was not a winning return for Haliburton. The Lakers won in a contest that was close at the final buzzer. They put up a one-possession spread in the showdown, winning by 1 point thanks to a 4th quarter where they outscored the Pacers by 13 points. The final score was LA 112, and Indiana 111 as the Pacers losing ways continued.

Lakers @ Pacers Thursday: Anthony Davis scores 31

With the loss, Indiana is now 24-29 overall on the season. They are in a near freefall in the standings. Following the loss, Indiana is outside of play-in tournament positioning. They are now 1-11 in their last 12 games, with or without Haliburton. You have to think that they will return to at least 50/50 basketball soon, however, they have dug themselves into a hole.

Indiana Pacers: Recent Form Alert

• Indiana Pacers were 23-18 (January 10th, 2023)
• Following Thursday’s game, they are 24-29

Meanwhile, the Lakers improved to 25-28 with the 1-point victory. The top scorer in the game was Anthony Davis. He had an impressive 31 points in the contest and scored the game-winner in the final minute before providing a defensive stop. You have to think that this was a game that LA would not have won without Davis.

The Lakers continue to creep up the standings. They are in 12th place in the Western Conference. The New Orleans Pelicans are one team that has trended downward for weeks. LA may just overtake the Pels in the games ahead.

Further reading: NBA Power Rankings