After months of people calling him overrated, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is making his critics regret their words.
He has been sublime during the playoffs and has made multiple game-winning or game-tying buckets that have made a huge impact on fans all over the league.
Speaking with The Ringer, Tim Legler talked about one of the things that makes Haliburton so special.
It is like he is just made for these big moments when everything is on the line.
“He has this incredible quality during pressure moments of being able to maintain the exact same muscle memory. In the NBA postseason this year, in a situation with 15 seconds or less to go in the game, shots to tie or take the lead, the rest of the league shooting individual shooting percentages in those situations, 4 for 27. Tyrese Haliburton is 5 for 5. Just think that’s one of the most incredible statistical anomalies you’ve ever seen. He clearly feels super comfortable releasing the basketball from his fingertips with heavy consequences,” Legler said.
"He has this incredible quality during pressure moments of being able to maintain the exact same muscle memory."
Tim Legler puts Tyrese Haliburton's clutch postseason moments into perspective following a stunning Game 1 victory in the NBA Finals.@ryenarussillo @LegsESPN pic.twitter.com/56DJg404HK
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 6, 2025
When the pressure is on and everything counts, Haliburton is ready and eager to perform well.
He did it again at the end of Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His shot claimed a gigantic win for his team, shocking the Thunder and millions of NBA followers who thought OKC was going to win.
For many, the bucket wasn’t even that surprising because Haliburton has made such a habit of creating these moments.
He has done it before, and he will likely do it again.
The Thunder will now be extra careful to stay on top of Haliburton for the rest of the series.
Some people are just comfortable in situations like this, and some people thrive in them.
Haliburton is clearly one of the latter.
NEXT: Mike Breen Reveals Why He Didn't Use His Signature Call In Game 1