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Tyrese Haliburton has been at the heart of some of the most thrilling moments in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, including a game-winning shot in Game 1 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, his overall performance is falling short of what's expected from a franchise player. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith made that clear in a recent segment: "Haliburton has to step up. Showing up only at the end is not enough."
In Game 1, Haliburton scored just 14 points before nailing his buzzer-beater. In Game 2, he added 17 points, but Indiana was thoroughly outplayed by the West champion Thunder, led by a dominant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The series is tied 1-1, yet the difference in impact between both stars is stark.
Haliburton vs. Gilgeous-Alexander: The point guard duel shaping the Finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been operating at an MVP level, dropping 38 points in Game 1 and 34 in Game 2 - averaging 36 points across the series. Meanwhile, Haliburton has yet to break 20 points in a game and is shooting under 35% from the field. The discrepancy led Stephen A. to issue a pointed critique:
"You can't be out there scoring 11 or 15 points, shooting 33% from the field, while Shai is averaging 36. That's unacceptable for a player of your stature."
He also called out Haliburton's lack of urgency early in games, noting that showing up only in the fourth quarter - when the game is out of reach - simply isn't good enough.
Pressure, nagging injuries, and the need to deliver in Game 3
Adding to the challenge, the Pacers confirmed that Haliburton is dealing with minor lower-body soreness. Still, he's expected to play in Game 3. But physical discomfort doesn't serve as a valid excuse - not for the media, and certainly not for the fans. Indiana needs a full-game performance from their star.
So far, the Pacers have led for less than two combined minutes in the first two games. If they want to stay in contention, Haliburton must do more than be clutch - he must impose his will and lead from tip-off to final buzzer.