Charles Barkley warns Tyrese Haliburton-led Pacers after they take 3-1 lead
Charles Barkley watched Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers dismantle the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of their second-round series on Sunday. The Pacers led 80-39 at halftime en route to a 129-109 win. Another win in Cleveland on Tuesday would secure an Eastern Conference finals berth for the Pacers.
Indiana is in a strong position to advance, but Barkley said it cannot afford to prolong the series.
“The Cavs got to have a one-game mentality. If they can win that game [Game 5], Game 6, Indiana is gonna be feeling the heat... They are not going to go get Game 7 in Cleveland."
The win on Sunday gave the Pacers a 3-1 series lead. Haliburton's team won the first two games at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland and split the two games in Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton set the tone for the Cavaliers in Game 4
Tyrese Haliburton had his worst game in the playoffs in Game 3 on Friday. The point guard tallied four points, five assists and three turnovers in the Indiana Pacers’ 126-104 loss. After the game, Haliburton promised to do better in Game 4.
The former Sacramento Kings star delivered six points, four rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes in the opening quarter. He helped the Pacers to a 38-23 lead. The Pacers were even deadlier in the second quarter. They erupted for 42 points and shackled the Cavaliers to 16. Haliburton was again a difference maker during the period. He sat out the first five minutes before returning and promptly delivering a pass that resulted in a Myles Turner dunk.
Haliburton repeatedly found Turner, who had the hot hand in the second frame. Turner’s 27-footer off a Haliburton dime increased Indiana’s lead to 68-37. The former All-Star added to Cleveland’s woes by making a free-throw before nailing a 30-footer that had the home fans in a frenzy.
Rick Carlisle kept Haliburton out in the fourth quarter with the result all but confirmed. The coach wants his team leader ready for what could be the final game of the series in Cleveland on Tuesday.