Tyrese Haliburton has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA playoffs, and his recent performances have showcased a noticeable shift in his approach. The Indiana Pacers’ star point guard has credited WNBA legend Sue Bird for helping him refine his game, particularly in balancing his role as both a facilitator and a scorer.
During the Pacers’ second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Haliburton struggled with his scoring output, managing just 15 points on 16 shot attempts across Games 3 and 4. However, in Game 5, he flipped the switch, exploding for 31 points on 15 shots to close out the series and send Indiana to its second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.
This shift in aggression has continued into the conference finals against the New York Knicks, where Haliburton has averaged 24.3 points and 11 assists per game—a significant jump from his regular-season numbers. His ability to take over games when needed has been a revelation, and it turns out that Sue Bird played a key role in helping him unlock this mindset.
Haliburton reached out to Bird during the Pacers’ first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, seeking advice on how to balance his responsibilities as a playmaker and a scorer. Bird, a four-time WNBA champion and the league’s all-time assists leader, shared insights on trusting himself, picking his spots, and not letting his basketball IQ overcomplicate his decision-making.
Bird emphasized that even the best players go through rough stretches, but what separates great players from good ones is their ability to respond and adjust. Haliburton took this advice to heart, and his newfound aggression has been a key factor in Indiana’s deep playoff run.
Tyrese Haliburton reached out to Sue Bird before the playoffs for advice on when to be a scorer and when to be a facilitator 📝
“Clearly he’s figured it out”
(via Taylor Rooks X) pic.twitter.com/kRzc9vJb24
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 28, 2025
Haliburton’s evolution has been a joy to watch, and his ability to adapt and elevate his game in real time speaks volumes about his potential. With the Pacers on the brink of an NBA Finals appearance, Haliburton’s growth—fueled in part by Bird’s mentorship—could be the difference-maker in Indiana’s championship aspirations.
