Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have captured NBA fans’ attention in 2025 with an impressive playoff run to the NBA Finals, yet the star guard faces persistent criticism despite his strong performances. As the Pacers prepared to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s formidable defense, Haliburton’s role and reputation came under scrutiny amid mixed reactions from peers, media, and fans alike.
Criticism Follows Haliburton Through Eastern Conference Finals
Although the Indiana Pacers surprised many by advancing deep into the playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton was named the NBA’s most overrated player by his peers before the Eastern Conference Finals. This label sparked skepticism about his true impact, particularly as the New York Knicks handed the Pacers a heavy Game 5 loss, with Haliburton scoring just eight points in a 111-94 defeat. Ahead of that game, Puma even released an ‘Overrate That’ T-shirt mocking his status.
Despite this, Haliburton quickly responded, delivering 21 points and 13 assists in the next and final game of the series, helping the Pacers secure the Eastern Conference crown. Over six games against the Knicks, he averaged 26.5 points and 12 assists, showcasing his offensive prowess and playmaking ability.
Haliburton’s Emotional Reaction to NBA MVP Announcement
During the broadcast after the series-clinching win, TNT Sports host Ernie Johnson was tasked with announcing the NBA MVP. As Johnson prepared to reveal the winner, Haliburton stood poised for the announcement but had to face the disappointment when the award went to Pascal Siakam instead. The crowd’s roar and a comforting pat on Haliburton’s shoulder captured the moment’s mixed emotions.
Social media responses to the moment were unforgiving in some corners, with fans labeling Haliburton as “corny” and questioning his ego and demeanor during the announcement. Anonymous comments from fans included:
“He had one insane game. Other then that pascal dominated the series,”
—Fan comment
“He’s gotta chill with his ego,”
—Fan comment
“He was so shocked lmao his face is priceless,”
—Fan comment
Conversely, many supporters argued that Haliburton deserved recognition and that his behavior was merely posing for a photo rather than exhibiting disappointment or immaturity.
Standing Tall Amid Mixed Reactions
Despite the public scrutiny, Haliburton expressed pride and excitement about reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in his career. He commented,
“I don’t even have words right now, it’s really exciting,”
—Tyrese Haliburton
“I’m going to the NBA Finals. This feels really good.”
—Tyrese Haliburton
These statements reflected his focus on the team’s achievement and the journey ahead, highlighting his dedication despite the criticism.
Support from Fellow Players and Industry Voices
Haliburton’s skill and impact have been acknowledged by some fellow professionals, including Paul George, who emphasized Haliburton’s star status and pivotal role with Indiana:
“In my eyes, I think he is a superstar,”
—Paul George
“He’s the face of the NBA. He is the No.1 option.”
—Paul George
Podcast hosts Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor also suggested jealousy might be a factor in the mixed opinion on Haliburton. Sands highlighted one of Haliburton’s standout playoff performances:
“Tyrese Haliburton went off 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, five triples, four steals, and maybe most impressively, zero turnovers,”
—Ethan Sands
“The only game with 30 points and 15 rebounds with zero turnovers in playoff history.”
—Ethan Sands
Fedor added,
“I think players are jealous. I do,
—Chris Fedor
“I think them making him the quote, unquote, most overrated player voting for him that way. I think it was a combination of lunacy.”
—Chris Fedor
“I think it was a combination of jealousy, and I think it was a combination of just hate.”
—Chris Fedor
“I think he’s an easy guy to dislike because he is mouthy, because he does gesticulate, because he can get under your skin with some of the things that he does.”
—Chris Fedor
“And he has like a flamboyance to him. He has a flair to him, and it makes him an easy target.”
—Chris Fedor
Their view underscored how Haliburton’s personality and style of play might provoke differing opinions while his talent remains indisputable.
Siakam’s Humble Response to MVP Award
Pascal Siakam, the player awarded the MVP in place of Haliburton, remained modest in his acceptance. He reflected on his journey from Cameroon to the NBA:
“I’m just a young kid from Cameroon, that moved to the US when I was eighteen years old and gave everything to the game of basketball,”
—Pascal Siakam
Siakam’s humility has contrasted with the more polarizing perception of Haliburton, framing the two competitors differently amid the NBA Finals spotlight.
Next Challenge Awaits in NBA Finals Against Thunder
The Indiana Pacers, led by Haliburton’s consistently strong performances, now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Both Haliburton and Siakam will need to maintain peak performance for their teams to compete at the highest level. With the Pacers emerging as underdogs, this Finals series will test how Tyrese Haliburton handles increased pressure amid ongoing scrutiny.
Having endured criticism from the media, fans, and fellow professionals, Haliburton’s ability to respond on the court will be crucial for the Pacers’ quest for their first championship in years.