The NBA Summer League saw a thrilling contest on Thursday as the Indiana Pacers edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 116-115 win. Tyrese Haliburton, following the game, enthusiastically praised the team’s remarkable comeback and strong performances that fueled the victory in this closely contested matchup.
Key Players Shine for Indiana in High-Scoring Duel
RayJ Dennis led the way for Indiana, posting an impressive 26 points along with four rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. Dennis took on the Cavaliers’ defense with confidence, making four of his eight three-point attempts. Off the bench, Quenton Jackson contributed significantly with 24 points, three assists, and two steals, shooting efficiently by missing only two of his 10 shots. At 6-foot-7, Enrique Freeman added 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded two blocks, capitalizing from the free-throw line by hitting 75 percent of his attempts.
Haliburton highlighted the collective effort of his teammates after the game, emphasizing their role in sealing the comeback.
Haliburton’s Season Outlook and Team Leadership
Despite the celebratory win, the Indiana Pacers’ outlook remains cautious as team president Kevin Pritchard confirmed on Monday that Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
“He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now. Don’t get any hopes up that he will play,” Kevin Pritchard told the media.
Haliburton had an outstanding playoff run in 2025, leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals with averages of 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. His leadership and performance were key components of the team’s success.
Kevin Durant Praises Haliburton’s Impact on the Pacers
The recent Achilles injury that ended Haliburton’s Finals appearance against the OKC Thunder did not diminish his reputation among NBA peers. In a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant praised Haliburton’s ability to elevate his teammates. Durant singled out how Haliburton’s decision-making and passing style set the Pacers apart.
“What I love about Indy too, and what I think is an underrated factor, like Tyrese kicks the ball ahead,” Durant said in the latest episode of Mind the Game podcast (7:34). “He doesn’t dribble across halfcourt every time … The center hands him the ball and he kicking it ahead no matter who it is.”
As a natural point guard and two-time All-Star, Haliburton’s skill in finding teammates in optimal positions and pushing the pace on fast breaks continues to define Indiana’s offensive identity.
Looking Forward: The Pacers’ Summer League Momentum and Future
The Pacers’ thrilling comeback victory in the NBA Summer League serves as a positive sign for the team’s depth and resilience. While Haliburton’s injury means the team must adapt for the upcoming season, performances from players like Dennis, Jackson, and Freeman provide optimism. The Pacers aim to build on this momentum as the NBA Draft approaches, hoping to strengthen their roster and maintain competitiveness in the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tyrese Haliburton elite?
A. Tyrese Haliburton has joined a prestigious group of NBA greats like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. He scored a buzzer-beater that ended a 14-point comeback for the Pacers against the Knicks. This shot tied the game at 125-125, leading to overtime.
Q. Is LaMelo Ball better than Tyrese Haliburton?
A. The decision: At present, Haliburton is ahead of Ball because he has been healthier and his team has achieved more success. Haliburton has participated in almost a full season’s worth of additional games compared to Ball, totaling 268 to Ball’s 192 games. Furthermore, he has guided his team further in the playoffs and the NBA Cup compared to LaMelo.