After hitting at least one buzzer-beater against every team the Indiana Pacers have faced in the NBA playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton has cemented himself as the most clutch player in the postseason. Just weeks after being named the NBA's "most overrated" player, Haliburton has sent the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers packing, and ripped the hearts out of fans in Madison Square Garden.
In Game 1 against the New York Knicks, Haliburton hit what appeared to be a game-winning 3-pointer, capping off the Pacers' improbable comeback. It ended up being only a 2-pointer, sending the game into overtime, but Haliburton got swept up in the moment.
Gleefully, he ran around the court, hitting Reggie Miller's iconic "choke" pose before the review revealed his foot was on the line. Had the Pacers lost in overtime, he would have been a laughingstock, but the Pacers ended up winning.
Of course, since the celebration was not "original," fans online, who have become so jaded when it comes to any human emotion, where quick to call Haliburton out.
"Corny" became the word of the day.
"Tatum can rest now," posted one fan. "Haliburton is the corniest player in the league."
"Dude Halliburton is so (expletive) corny I actually despise him he only talks when he's up," said another.
Yeah, players tend to talk trash more when they're winning.
"Haliburton is so corny I hate him so much," added a third.
Of course, with multiple iconic moments to his name this postseason, not everyone is anti-Haliburton, and some people are in favor of him playing with some swagger.
"The run of clutch shots Tyrese Haliburton has hit this playoff run is obviously an all-timer, but how about his celly’s?" asked another fan. "Dude hit the Sam Cassell big balls & Reggie’s choke ALL IN THE SAME PLAYOFF RUN. If you think this is corny, you’re wrong."
While Haliburton has said he won't do the "choke" celebration again against the Knicks, he might have another ace up his sleeve if the Pacers can steal Game 2 on Friday.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.