4 Major reasons the Indiana Pacers have emerged as a dangerous East dark horse

Tyrese Haliburton has ascended as a leader

The Indiana Pacers have a dynamic playmaker in Tyrese Haliburton and they are building a roster around him and his style of play. What makes Haliburton special is his playmaking ability and the way he consistently does it. Carlisle trusts Haliburton to run the offense and make the right decisions with the basketball as he gives him the creative freedom to efficiently run the offense.

With his ridiculous assists totals and low turnover rate, his efficiency and ability to score at a decent volume puts him at an elite level. Haliburton limits turnovers and all he seems to do is generate the absolute highest value of shots for his teammates. He is a handful to guard due to his stellar shooting and great vision which opens up driving lanes for him because defenders have to respect his jump shot.

The Pacers are a small market team that hasn't garnered much attention since the Paul George era. They don't receive much appreciation outside of Indiana but that may be about to change. If the Pacers can continue their recent run of success, Haliburton will bring attention to the Pacers that's long overdue.