Shaquille O’Neal’s Strong Opinion of Tyrese Haliburton After Pacers Game

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May 7, 2025 - 11:30
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There has been some talk lately that perhaps Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is overrated.

He made the All-Star team in both of the previous seasons and has transformed the Pacers into a dynamic fast-breaking team since arriving via trade three seasons ago. But some have still doubted that he's a major difference-maker on the big stage.

But almost as if he was sending a message to those critics, Haliburton had a big series against the Milwaukee Bucks in round one of this year's playoffs, and on Tuesday, he sent a resounding message.

With his team trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-116 with 12.1 seconds left in Game 2, he was fouled, made the first free throw, got his own rebound after missing the second foul shot and then hit the game-winning 3-pointer just before time expired.

May 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) defends Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) on a follow through for a game-winning three-point basket in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images © David Richard-Imagn Images

Turner Sports personality Shaquille O'Neal reminded everyone on "Inside the NBA" that Haliburton is as good as advertised.

"First of all, Tyrese Haliburton is not an overrated player," O'Neal said. "He's a great player and plays the game the right way."

Haliburton's stat line for Game 2 — 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists — wasn't eye-popping, but he led a spirited comeback by Indiana.

He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter after his team began the period down 98-84. With just over a minute left, he scored back-to-back layups to keep Indiana within striking distance after it trailed 114-108 with 1:38 to go.

The Pacers now lead this best-of-seven series two games to none over a Cleveland team that won 64 games and looked nearly unbeatable during the regular season. With the next two games taking place in Indianapolis, Cleveland's championship hopes are hanging by a thread, thanks largely to Haliburton.

Related: Magic Johnson Sends Strong Message on Tyrese Haliburton Amid NBA Playoffs

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