The 2025 NBA Playoffs have been a stage for Indiana Pacers’ point guard Tyrese Haliburton to prove his critics wrong. At just 25 years old, the two-time All-Star has led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing his unique playmaking, clutch performances, and a fiery competitive spirit that’s captured the basketball world’s attention. From a viral choke sign aimed at New York Knicks fans to earning praise from LeBron James, Haliburton’s postseason journey has been nothing short of electrifying. Here’s a look at how the Pacers’ star is redefining his legacy in 2025.
Haliburton’s 2025 playoff run has been a masterclass in leadership and resilience. On May 21, 2025, he delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Game 1 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With the game on the line, Haliburton drilled a buzzer-beater to force overtime, then turned to the Knicks’ crowd with a choke sign—a bold nod to Pacers legend Reggie Miller’s infamous taunt in the 1990s. The moment went viral, with fans and media buzzing about Haliburton’s fearless mentality. The Pacers went on to win 138-135, taking a 1-0 series lead.
This wasn’t Haliburton’s first clutch moment of the postseason. In the second round against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, he sank a step-back three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in Game 2, securing a 120-119 victory. He followed that with a 31-point performance in Game 5, including six three-pointers, to close out the series and advance the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals. His playoff averages through eight games—16.6 points and 10.0 assists—highlight his ability to control the game’s pace and elevate his teammates.
Despite these heroics, Haliburton’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In Game 3 against the Cavaliers, he struggled against a 3-2 zone defense, scoring just four points in a 126-104 loss. Critics, including former NBA player Iman Shumpert, questioned his consistency, comparing his off-night to a lackluster performance by actress Halle Berry. Haliburton responded calmly, saying, “I gotta do a better job of keeping myself involved as a screener, creating chaos.” His ability to adapt and bounce back in Game 4 underscored his growth as a leader.
Haliburton’s rise to stardom has come with scrutiny. In an anonymous NBA player poll conducted by The Athletic in April 2025, he was voted the league’s most overrated player. Thestung, but Haliburton used it as fuel. “I have critics in what I do. Jesus had critics. We all got critics,” he said on The Pat McAfee Show, shrugging off the negativity with a mix of humor and confidence. LeBron James came to his defense after the Pacers’ Game 5 win over Cleveland, praising Haliburton’s skills and team-first mentality. “Bron said people would love to play alongside me. If we’re winning, people would love to play with me,” Haliburton noted, reflecting on their text exchange after the game.
The criticism hasn’t been limited to polls. Haliburton’s bold personality has sparked tensions, from mocking Damian Lillard in the first round to his father, John Haliburton, being banned from playoff games after a heated exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite these distractions, Haliburton remains focused. “It’s just basketball, bro. I get paid a lot of money to play a child’s game,” he told reporters after Game 4 against Cleveland. “I love being here in Indiana.” His five-year, $244.6 million contract, the largest in Pacers history, reflects the organization’s belief in him as their cornerstone.
The Pacers-Knicks rivalry, steeped in history, has found a new spark in Haliburton’s battles with Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Last year, Haliburton celebrated the Pacers’ Game 7 victory over New York by wearing a hoodie featuring Reggie Miller’s choke sign. This postseason, the two teams are meeting again in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the matchup between Haliburton and Brunson is a focal point. While Brunson has been hailed as the playoffs’ top performer by analysts like Stephen A. Smith, Haliburton’s 17.0 points and 9.0 assists per game against the Knicks this season show he’s not far behind.
The rivalry took a personal turn when Haliburton invited Hans Perez, a Pacers fan pelted with garbage by Knicks fans for wearing his jersey in New York, to Game 4 in Indianapolis. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Haliburton surprised Perez with tickets, saying, “Our whole organization wants to make sure you’re treated right.” The gesture won hearts and highlighted Haliburton’s connection to the Pacers’ fanbase.
Haliburton’s star power extends beyond the court. On May 19, 2025, WWE announced him as a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K25 Dunks & Destruction DLC pack, alongside legends like The Great Khali. The news, revealed during a video call on WWE Raw, thrilled fans of both basketball and wrestling. Haliburton’s prior WWE appearance in June 2024, where he and Brunson joined a SmackDown match at Madison Square Garden, hinted at this crossover. “It’s hard to say why the NBA and pro wrestling cross over so well, but they do,” noted Yahoo Sports, pointing to Haliburton’s flair for the dramatic.
What makes Haliburton special? The Athletic calls him an “enigma” who treats basketball like a “science experiment,” inventing new ways to dazzle fans and outsmart opponents. His unorthodox jumper, breakneck pace, and mind-bending playmaking have powered the Pacers to some of the NBA’s most efficient offenses. “He puts the ‘Pace’ in Pacers,” one analyst wrote, crediting him with forcing teammates to match his speed. Duke star Cooper Flagg, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, called Haliburton the league’s most underrated player, saying, “People hate him and call him overrated, but he’s just such a good basketball player.”
Haliburton’s teammates, like Pascal Siakam, also defend his impact. Siakam pushed back against the “overrated” label, emphasizing Haliburton’s role in the Pacers’ depth-driven success. The team’s bench, one of the league’s best, thrives under Haliburton’s leadership, with players like Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner stepping up in key moments.
As the Pacers face the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton’s performance will be under the microscope. Game 1’s viral moment has set the tone, but the series is far from over. A strong showing could propel the Pacers to their first NBA Finals since 2000 and cement Haliburton’s status as a true superstar. Off the court, his WWE 2K25 appearance and growing media presence suggest a career that transcends basketball.
Haliburton’s journey is a testament to resilience. From an unranked high school player to an NBA All-Star, he’s turned doubters into believers. “I’d rather have you guys talking about me, positively or negatively, than not care who I am at all,” he said. With the basketball world watching, Tyrese Haliburton is proving he’s here to stay.
Also Read :- Megyn Kelly’s Rise: From Fox News to Podcast Powerhouse
In one of the most surprising multi-team deals of the NBA offseason, Kristaps Porzingis finds…
Federal officials confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 11 Iranians nationals across…
Israel Iran ceasefire violation the ongoing ceasefire, launching a new series of airstrikes in response.…
Zohran Mamdani wins NYC primary for mayor, sending shockwaves through the Democratic establishment and igniting…
In a year already packed with political tension, the final weeks of June 2025 are…
In a concerning revelation, a new federal report has found that U.S. officials wasted millions…