The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a do-or-die situation after suffering a devastating 30-point loss to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. With their season hanging in the balance, the Pacers are gearing up for a crucial Game 6 on Friday, back on their home turf.
One player who has come under scrutiny is Tyrese Haliburton, who has been hailed as one of the NBA’s rising stars. Despite flashes of brilliance in previous games, Haliburton’s performance in Game 5 fell short of expectations, with just 13 points on the board. Meanwhile, the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson continued to shine with another impressive 40-plus-point game.
Austin Rivers:
“Tyrese Haliburton got that nod over Jalen Brunson for the Olympics… it hasn't even been close throughout this series.”
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/s9nhx1MUIL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 15, 2024
On ESPN, Austin Rivers didn’t mince words, calling out Haliburton for not being aggressive when his team needed him most. While Haliburton showcased his potential earlier in the series with standout performances, inconsistency has plagued his game, particularly in Game 1, where he managed just six points.
The Pacers’ season started on a promising note, with Haliburton leading the charge and the team ranking highly in offensive categories. The midseason acquisition of Pascal Siakam was expected to bolster their championship aspirations. However, Haliburton’s scoring output and efficiency have dipped since the trade, a trend that continued into the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the Pacers face a pivotal Game 6, Haliburton will need to step up not only as a scorer but also as a leader on the court. With the series on the line, he must set the pace, create opportunities for teammates, and deliver a standout performance to keep the Pacers’ hope.
