Rick Carlisle Says 1 Pacers Player Deserves His Own Stat Category
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers scored a massive win on Tuesday night, beating the New York Knicks 130-121 and grabbing a stunning 3-1 series lead.
It was Tyrese Haliburton who did the most for the Pacers, putting up 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, a historic triple-double that NBA fans rarely see.
Following the game, everyone had something good to say about Haliburton.
Rick Carlisle talked to ESPN and praised his superstar.
“There will be a new statistical category, perhaps, named after [Tyrese Haliburton] somewhere down the line. Him and Chris Paul, these guys, there aren’t a lot of guys. I know [John] Stockton didn’t turn it over much back when he played, LeBron James didn’t turn it over very much. You can go right down the line, some of the all-time greats. And so I know he takes great pride in it and that’s a motivating factor,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
Like many others, Carlisle was perhaps most impressed by the fact that Haliburton didn’t suffer a single turnover despite his huge statline.
The Knicks’ defense was all over Haliburton, but he still didn’t slip or give up the ball.
That is a sign of an expert ball handler.
Throughout this season, Haliburton has proven that’s exactly what he is: someone who can lead his team, make plays, and create his own shots.
In fact, on Tuesday night, it felt like there was nothing he couldn’t do.
Being compared to some of the all-time great NBA players is a massive honor, but Carlisle wasn’t the only person who was blown away by Haliburton’s work in Game 4.
He is now one step closer to being named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and he could be a champion in a matter of weeks, especially if he continues to play like this.