The Indiana Pacers secured a decisive 128-108 victory over the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, clinching their first Eastern Conference title in 25 years. Tyrese Haliburton proved underrated in NBA Finals contention once again, leading the charge for Indiana as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
Haliburton’s Performance Defies Criticism and Ignites Fans
Throughout the series, Tyrese Haliburton faced heavy skepticism from critics who called him overrated, but his composure and skill proved otherwise in Game 6. Firm and energized under pressure, Haliburton dismantled the Knicks’ defense with a balanced game that showcased his scoring, playmaking, and defense. He finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot, shooting efficiently in 37 minutes.
The crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted with chants of “underrated,” recognizing his efforts as a vital catalyst for the Pacers’ comeback and ultimate triumph. After the game, Haliburton proudly displayed the Eastern Conference Finals trophy during a postgame interview with NBA on TNT, sharing a confident yet humble smile that reflected the moment’s gravity. His contributions have transformed the Pacers’ offensive momentum and reshaped their legacy, making him a formidable adversary, especially for New York fans.
Rejection of the ‘Overrated’ Label Amid Peer Criticism
Despite his success, Haliburton faced a controversial label just last month when The Athletic’s poll named him the NBA’s “most overrated” player, a result determined by fellow players and peers. This designation drew significant attention and appeared to sting, given its source among league insiders.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in, suggesting the votes may have been influenced by personal biases rather than Haliburton’s on-court performance.
“There were people — and this is not fair to Tyrese Haliburton,”
Smith said,
“I wanna preface my comments by saying it’s not fair to him. But you had people who didn’t like him, didn’t like his bravado, his swag, whatever. They thought it was a bit premature.”
Furthermore, Smith highlighted off-court incidents involving Haliburton’s father, including a disruptive encounter with Giannis Antetokounmpo that resulted in a suspension, which may have unfairly influenced opinions about Haliburton.
“And they did not like how his father annoyed people, which is what led to his father ultimately having that encounter with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] that got him banned from about eight games. These are facts…but he didn’t deserve that.”
Haliburton’s Response and Rising Influence in the NBA
Haliburton has embraced the scrutiny, turning doubt into motivation throughout the postseason. Drawing inspiration from Indiana legend Reggie Miller, he adopted Miller’s iconic choke gesture as a taunt early in the series and repeated the hat-tip after eliminating New York last year. His ability to perform under pressure, including clutch shots and aggressive defense, has earned respect across the league, solidifying his role as not only a leader for the Pacers but also a new figure of rivalry for the Knicks.
With the Pacers now headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in a quarter-century, Haliburton’s dominance on the court has clearly silenced many critics. His postseason performance has demonstrated the depth of his skill set, and as Indiana prepares to face the OKC Thunder, all eyes will be on him to carry the team to a historic championship.