Tyrese Haliburton Dominates Knicks in Overtime Victory

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Tyrese Haliburton delivered an electrifying performance Thursday night as the Indiana Pacers faced the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In a thrilling overtime match, the Pacers triumphed 138-135, with Haliburton scoring 31 points.

Throughout the playoffs, Haliburton has been a standout player, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. His performance against the Knicks solidified his reputation as a key player for the Pacers.

Haliburton embraced his role as a playoff performer, much to the delight of the home crowd. His ability to deliver under pressure has been a crucial factor in the Pacers’ playoff success.

The 25-year-old guard, who was drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2020, has proven to be a franchise player for the Pacers after a controversial trade. Although the Kings had high hopes for Haliburton, he has thrived in Indiana and left other teams wishing they had made different choices.

Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers recalled Haliburton’s impressive pre-draft workout in 2023, stating, “He made a ton of shots, and we looked at each other and said, ‘he might be pretty good.’” Myers noted that Haliburton’s intelligence and confidence stood out during their conversations.

Despite holding the number two pick in the 2020 draft, the Warriors chose another player instead of Haliburton. That decision has since been regretted, as Haliburton continues to perform at an elite level while the Warriors face challenges in their lineup.

As the Pacers look forward to the next round, Haliburton’s star continues to rise, showcasing his talent and leadership in the playoffs.