A video of Tyrese Haliburton seconds before the Eastern Conference finals MVP announcement is currently making its rounds on social media. In it, the Indiana Pacers guard is seen seemingly prepared to receive the trophy right before it was revealed that Pascal Siakam was the series' MVP.
It turned out to be a tight race between the two Pacers teammates, with Siakam edging Haliburton out by just one vote to win the ECF MVP title.
Another video inside the Pacers locker room shortly after Indiana's series-clinching Game 6 win over the New York Knicks has also grabbed the attention of fans on X. The clip shows how Haliburton acted towards Siakam as the team was celebrating their East finals championship.
Haliburton is seen handing the East finals trophy to Siakam so the latter can get pictures of it and his ECF MVP trophy. In another part of the video, Haliburton is shown chanting "MVP" with the crowd as they cheered on Siakam.
Haliburton's behavior drew varying reactions from fans on social media.
"Haliburton and Siakam's friendship is truly very inspiring always,' a comment on X read.
"Hali is so excited for P. Love this team," observed another.
"Ty loves P. Considers him a brother! Of course he’s happy for him!" a fan wrote.
"No egos on this team. They're all about 1 goal & 1 goal only..." said a viewer.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43).
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43).
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
"Haliburton deserved it but he’s all about the team (expletive) lame though," reacted a user.
"Hali is hurting so bad inside," another said.
For what it's worth, Haliburton averaged 21.0 points on 45.5% shooting, 6.0 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.7 triples in six games played against the Knicks. Siakam, on the other hand, registered 24.8 points on 52.4% from the field, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 treys in the Eastern Conference finals.
Whatever the case might be, the fact of the matter is that the Pacers will need their two stars at their best as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.