Tyrese Haliburton played a pivotal role in the Indiana Pacers’ crucial Game 2 victory against the New York Knicks on Friday night, despite not having his most efficient offensive outing. During NBA on TNT’s postgame coverage, Shaquille O’Neal offered an on-air apology to Haliburton, acknowledging the guard’s strong impact and “killer instinct” in the 114-109 win at Madison Square Garden. This marked a turning point in the Eastern Conference Finals as Indiana seized a 2-0 lead before the series shifts back home.
Haliburton’s Impact Overshadowed Shooting Struggles
Though Haliburton shot just 5-of-16 from the field and made only 3 of 10 three-point attempts, he managed to compile a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists, alongside eight rebounds. His leadership and playmaking helped the Pacers steal a win on the Knicks’ home court, showcasing resilience and poise under playoff pressure. This performance came after Indiana erased a significant deficit in Game 1, including Haliburton forcing overtime with a dramatic last-second shot.
Shaq’s Change of Tune on Haliburton’s Composure
Earlier, O’Neal had criticized Haliburton for appearing overly relaxed and laughing too much during a pregame interview, questioning whether the All-Star showed enough intensity for playoff basketball. However, following the game, O’Neal addressed Haliburton directly during TNT’s coverage to retract those doubts.
“Tyrese… I owe you an apology.” —NBA on TNT
Shaquille O’Neal explained,
“Tyrese, Shaq here. I owe you an apology,”
and added,
“During the interview with [Reggie Miller], there was a little bit too much giggling for me. I was like, ‘I want these guys to be serious,’ and you guys were serious.”
This public admission underscored the Hall of Famer’s respect for Haliburton’s performance and mental toughness despite earlier reservations about his demeanor off the court.
Pacers’ Resilience Shines Amid Playoff Challenges
The Pacers have defied skepticism after an inconsistent regular season, demonstrating remarkable toughness throughout the playoffs. Following a hard-fought series win against the injury-riddled Milwaukee Bucks and an upset over top-seeded Cleveland in five games, Indiana has continued to impress with a dynamic transition offense and depth that have given the Knicks trouble.
Indiana’s ability to overcome adversity and perform in hostile environments highlights their potential to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in years. The team’s confidence and cohesion on the floor contrast sharply with the doubts expressed by some commentators earlier in the postseason.
Next Steps as Series Moves to Indianapolis
As the Eastern Conference Finals continue at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, coinciding with the Indy 500 weekend, the Pacers hold a commanding advantage in the series. A victory in either of the upcoming home games would place Indiana on the brink of eliminating New York and moving one step closer to competing in the NBA Finals. The combination of Haliburton’s leadership and the team’s overall resilience are essential factors in their pursuit of championship success.