Story & Photos
By Michael Kinney
Through the first three games of the NBA Finals, it has become abundantly clear that Tyrese Haliburton is a problem. For those who may not have been following the former Iowa State’s career trajectory, you are catching him at peak “he’s that dude” status.
“Ty’s got to do him,” said the Pacer’s Pascal Siakam. “That’s what he’s got to do, he’s got to be himself every time he’s out on the floor. He can impact the game in so many ways.”
Twice in three games, Haliburton showed that he is not afraid to go head-to-head with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and has the belief he can come out on top. That includes his last-second shot to win Game 1.
In Wednesday’s 116-107 victory, Haliburton scored 22 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed nine rebounds. The near triple-double was a testament to how he can impact the game on both ends of the court.
As his new nickname suggests, “The Moment” was ready. ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson gave him the moniker during Game 3.
“I’m just trying to play the right way,” Haliburton said. “I think these games can get crazy and I think what I’ve learned from those guys as my coaches and Coach Carlisle is that people follow the leader and that typically is our coaches. When things are going crazy and those guys remain calm, it’s easy for us to remain the same way. I try to look at it in the game that way, as well. I try to be as relaxed as I can, because if anybody is looking at me, I want them to feel confident no matter what.”
While Haliburton and Gilgeous-Alexander appear to have different personalities on the court, they both say playing the game the right way is paramount for them and their team. It helped Gilgeous-Alexander lead the Thunder to the best record in the NBA, but it currently has Haliburton leading the championship series 2-1.
However, Haliburton knows it is too early to overreact to one game or even two.
“There are good games. There’s bad games, but I hate to say it like this, but it is a child’s game, you know,” a smiling Haliburton said. “Like this means the world to me, and I’m really excited to be here, and I love what I do and I love this game. But I do think it’s important that, you know, you don’t overreact at any point, just enjoy what you’re doing.”
Even though Haliburton has been criticized at different points in his career, including this season, he doesn’t want to let those outside of his circle change how he plays the game.
“I think the commentary is always going to be what it is. Most of the time, the talking heads on the major platforms I couldn’t care less, honestly, like what do they really know about basketball?,” Haliburton said. “I think as a group and watching film myself and seeing where I can get better is important. At a time like this, I’m not really on social media as much. I try to stay off it as much as I can. But you know, you see it, and ESPN might be on in my house and there it is. You know, it is what it is.”
S when he gets flack for not scoring enough or for his showboating antics, he tries to keep it all in perspective.
“The commentary is what it is at this point. It doesn’t matter,” Haliburton said. “We’re here in the NBA Finals two wins away from an NBA Championship. Just got to stay with it, put my head down, keep working and as a group we’ve just got to keep learning from our mistakes, see where we can get better and take our time.”
Game 4 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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