Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has been closely following the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Indiana Pacers hold a 2-1 series advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The spotlight shines on Tyrese Haliburton‘s crucial NBA Finals performance, as the Pacers’ point guard delivered a standout showing in Game 3 to help secure the lead.
Tyrese Haliburton Delivers Key Performance to Propel Pacers Ahead
After a subdued Game 2 that saw Haliburton appear hesitant with the ball, the star point guard responded emphatically in Game 3. Haliburton posted near triple-double numbers with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in 36 minutes. While not his highest scoring output, his aggressive offense marked a clear departure from the passivity critics had noted previously. His elevated role was crucial in Indiana’s victory, allowing the Pacers to take the series lead on the road against a formidable Thunder team.
Magic Johnson Advises Haliburton to Boost Scoring Impact This Series
Leading up to Game 4, Magic Johnson shared guidance for Haliburton through ESPN’s First Take, urging the young star to focus more on scoring to help the Pacers overcome Oklahoma City’s potent offense. Johnson emphasized the necessity of combining playmaking with consistent point production.
“So what’s he’s gotta do is understand what he has to do to help the Pacers beat OKC. You can’t just have 15 assists and 12 points or 15 points. That’s not enough. You gotta score in this series. See, you gotta remember that OKC is the highest scoring team in the league, so you have to personally, Haliburton, come out and say, ‘I gotta get my assists but also I gotta score. I gotta score.’ I had to do that against the Celtics. I couldn’t just have 20 assists. I had to 25 to 30 points for us to beat ’em and I was able to do that. So don’t take it personal what people are saying because the first two games you said it yourself. ‘I didn’t play good. I could play better.’ So now let’s concentrate on Game 4. This what happened last night you gotta take that into Game 4.”
—Magic Johnson, NBA Legend
Johnson’s message highlights Haliburton’s role as the Pacers’ primary ball handler and creator. With his deceptive dribbling and unique shooting form, Haliburton possesses the ability to score from all three levels on the court. This versatility is critical if Indiana hopes to contain the Thunder’s high-powered offense, which led the league in scoring during the regular season.
Thrilling Finals Continue Amid High Stakes for Both Teams
The series between the Pacers and Thunder is living up to expectations of a competitive NBA Finals matchup. Though Indiana currently holds the lead, Oklahoma City was the top team during the regular season and is expected to respond robustly. The intensity of the contest underlines the importance of each player’s contributions, especially from stars like Haliburton who can influence the outcome.
Magic Johnson Offers Advice to Luka Doncic on Championship Pursuits
As the Finals unfold, Johnson also addressed another rising star, Luka Doncic, offering advice on what is needed to contend for a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. While Johnson’s comments centered on Doncic’s development, they resonate with the ongoing narratives of leadership and scoring that are pivotal at this stage of the season.
With the NBA Finals poised at a critical juncture before Game 4, all eyes will remain on Tyrese Haliburton’s ability to balance facilitating with increased scoring. His performance could very well shape the direction of this thrilling championship series.