Tyrese Haliburton etched his name into NBA playoff lore last night, leading the Indiana Pacers to a commanding 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers triumphed 130-121, fueled by an unprecedented performance from their star point guard.
Haliburton delivered a historic triple-double, racking up 32 points, 15 assists, and a career-high 12 rebounds. What's even more remarkable? He achieved this stat line without committing a single turnover, making him the first player in NBA playoff history to reach those numbers with zero turnovers. He now holds multiple playoff triple-doubles in Pacers franchise history.
Following the game, a typically humble Haliburton deflected praise, joking about stat padding. He emphasized his commitment to winning and being a key part of Indiana's burgeoning success. His leadership and all-around impact were undeniably on display.
The game held extra significance for Haliburton, as his father, John, was in attendance for the first time in weeks. John had previously been advised to stay away from games after an incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round.
Haliburton admitted that his father's presence added a layer of motivation. He reflected on his childhood, noting his father's frequent weekend refereeing duties, which limited his attendance at games. With his dad watching, Haliburton was determined to deliver a memorable performance, and he certainly did.