Those who thought Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is overrated have been dealt several doses of reality over the last few weeks during the NBA playoffs.
After his heroics in the first two rounds, he struck again in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals to steal a win from the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. In Game 4 on Tuesday, he delivered 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, four steals and no turnovers in a 130-121 win that gave Indiana a 3-1 series lead.
The Pacers took to their official X account to note that Haliburton is now the first player in franchise history to notch more than one playoff triple-double. In that post, they gave the two-time All-Star a new nickname.
“TRIPLE-DOUBLE TY,” the caption read.
The Knicks recovered from two losses at home to start the series with a win in Game 3 after trailing by 20 points in the second quarter. It gave Indiana something to think about while putting the pressure on it for Game 4.
But Indiana got out to an early lead and scored 43 points in the first quarter, and it didn't let the Knicks mount any type of real rally throughout the rest of the contest.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The team got it done again with its fast break, and overall, it shot 51.1% from the field and 40.6% from 3-point range. But its defense also helped out — it forced 17 turnovers, and several of them were costly down the stretch for New York.
The Pacers are now one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. But it won't be easy for them to get that one win, as two of the next three games (if necessary) will take place at Madison Square Garden.