Haliburton's 16th double-double leads Pacers past Clippers 129-111

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton had 29 points and 12 assists for his 16th double-double of the season, Aaron Nesmith scored a season-high 19, and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 129-111 on Sunday.

Haliburton scored 17 points in the third quarter, when the Pacers (32-23) took a 101-83 lead. The All-Star point guard shot 9 of 14 overall with four 3-pointers.

The Pacers, who are an NBA-best 16-5 in 2025, had seven players score in double digits. Indiana center Myles Turner returned from a three-game injury absence with 17 first-half points.

The short-handed Clippers (31-25) were without leading scorer Norman Powell (left knee soreness) and No. 3 scorer Kawhi Leonard (left foot soreness). Powell averages 24.2 points per game, and Leonard 16.9.

That meant veteran All-Star guard James Harden looked to take more shots — he went 9 of 17 with six 3s to finish with 31 points and 11 assists. Ivica Zubac added 22 points.

Clippers: Leonard has played in just 16 games this season, but Powell's absence proved problematic. The lack of scoring options became increasingly evident as Los Angeles steadily fell behind.

Pacers: It's an ideal time to make a run, with two more home games this week and Indiana riding a three-game winning streak. And it helps to have Turner back after he missed three games with a cervical strain.

Haliburton buried 3-pointers on three consecutive third-quarter possessions as the Pacers opened a 90-69 lead.

Indiana made 13 of 20 shots to outscore Los Angeles 35-28 in the third quarter. The Pacers finished 46-of-84 shooting (54.8%).

The Clippers visit Detroit on Monday. The Pacers host Denver on Monday.

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Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) blocks the shot of LA Clippers forward Drew Eubanks (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots around LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) and LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (10) get tied up as they go for rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots in front of LA Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) gets a basket on a dunk in front of LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives on LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots between LA Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) and guard James Harden (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) appears top draw the charge from LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead joining the race for secretary of state of the battleground state.

Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, did not cite a specific reason for the change in his video announcement, but said he is not finished being a “public servant.” His departure clears up the Democratic primary and benefits the frontrunner, Jocelyn Benson, who is the current Secretary of State, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The secretary of state is Michigan's top election official, a highly politicized and visible role since the 2020 presidential election.

“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist said.

As Whitmer’s second in command and her running mate in two elections, Gilchrist struggled to match Benson’s name recognition and fundraising. He reported having around $378,000 of cash on hand as of October compared to Benson’s $2.98 million.

Benson is now set to face only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary in August.

The inclusion of a well-known independent candidate has created a new problem for Democrats this year. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is avoiding costly primaries altogether by running as an independent. The Michigan Democratic Party slammed the former Democrat last week for not standing up to President Donald Trump’s second term policies.

In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard are jockeying for the nomination.

In his bid to become secretary of state, Gilchrist will face four other Democrats: Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, a former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.

Michigan does not hold primary elections for the secretary of state position; the nominee is chosen by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is scheduled for April 19.

State Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention March 28 and GOP figures chasing the party's nomination for secretary of state include Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, and Monica Yatooma, an Oakland County executive.

In addition to the office of the governor and secretary of state, Michigan voters will be selecting a new state attorney general and a U.S. senator in November.

FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)