The Indiana Pacers are one win away from the NBA Finals, and Tyrese Haliburton has received his fair share of attention, for better or worse.
At the end of regulation in Game 1, Haliburton tied the game up with a deep 2-pointer. He thought it was a 3, which would have won the game, and paraded around the court while mocking the New York Knicks by using Reggie Miller's signature "choke" pose, much to the delight of the Pacers' legend.
That wasn't the only time he's talked some trash this postseason, and, if the Pacers keep winning, certainly won't be the last.
As authenticity and emotion fall out of favor, Haliburton has been labeled "corny," although some former players enjoy his celebrations and wearing his emotions on his sleeve.
"I love Hali, he's petty, like he did this with Dame. He did this with (Jalen Brunson)," said Lou Williams on FanDuel's Run It Back. "And listen, he finds that he finds his guys that he wants to, wants to mock and have some fun inside of a game."
Since trading for Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have emerged as one of the very best teams in the Eastern Conference, and Haliburton is one of the best floor generals and most clutch players.
Granted, it has come with a fair share of detractors, but his success without a flashy superstar or a glitzy big market is undoubtedly great for fans, who are enjoying this new era of parity in the NBA.
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