After reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season, the Indiana Pacers had a disappointing 7-10 start to Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the reasons for the Pacers’ sluggish play was the performance of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Despite reports that he is battling hamstring and back injuries, Haliburton has averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 assists, well below his 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game last season.

However, if the two-time All-Star is held back by injuries, he may have finally broken through in Monday’s 114-110 win over New Orleans. Haliburton made a season-high nine 3-pointers (9 of 18 from 3) and scored 34 points with 13 assists and three steals.

That’s one point shy of his best point total this season, which was 35 on November 10 against the New York Knicks.

Since scoring just four points in a 130-113 loss to the Houston Rockets on Nov. 20, Haliburton has totaled 73 points (a 24.3 average) and shot 46% (18 of 39) in his last three games 3s. The Pacers have now won two in a row after losing three in a row and five of their last eight games.

After Monday’s game, Haliburton admitted to reporters that he was frustrated with his game and basketball went into “work zone,” which led to a bad mood on the court.

“I think what I just have to keep is my joy in the game of basketball,” Haliburton said. about Tony East. “Everyone wants to say be happy and have fun. That’s hard to do when you’re losing.”

Myles Turner contributed 17 points and nine rebounds in the Pacers’ win, while Pascal Siakam scored 14 points with seven rebounds and seven assists. Quenton Jackson scored 12 points and shot 4 of 6 on 3-pointers.

The Pelicans were led by Trey Murphy III with 24 points, followed by CJ McCollum with 23 points. Elfrid Payton delivered 21 assists, the highest total in a game since Haliburton had 23 assists last season, ranking ninth all-time.