The Indiana Pacers are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and they’ve done it as underdogs, stunning the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
Of course, their defense has stepped up and their shooters are draining threes. But make no mistake, the real engine of the squad is point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Despite some overrated talk this season, Haliburton has been a playoff revelation, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.5 assists per game on 48.1% shooting. Even more remarkable, he’s 5-for-6 on shots to tie or take the lead in the final 90 seconds of the fourth or overtime which is the most in a single postseason since 1997.
Haliburton’s play this playoffs is screaming superstar vibes. He’s got the wins, the production, and the clutch moments to stake a claim as such. But renowned NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith remains skeptical, insisting Haliburton hasn’t reached that tier yet.
“Superstar status is reserved for the select few, and I don’t view him that way.”
Stephen A. Smith still doesn’t view Tyrese Haliburton as a superstar
“Superstar status is reserved for the select few, and I don’t view him that way.”
(🎥 @FirstTake )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2025
