The Indiana Pacers have struggled to a 9-13 start, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference. This marks a significant decline from last season, when the Pacers made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their recent loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday was their third consecutive defeat.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ star player, acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed belief that they can turn things around. He took personal responsibility for the team’s current state, stating that the process of improvement starts with him.
“I mean, listen, we’re 9-13 right now. We can act like the world is falling apart, and that’s not the case,” Haliburton said. “But there also needs to be a sense of urgency. Everybody can say, ‘Oh, it’s four games, we’ll be back to 500.’ It ain’t that easy.
“It starts with me. I have to be a better leader. I got to do everything better and harder because I’m not ready to piss away a year of my career, or this organization’s – this team’s – season.”
Despite taking personal accountability, Haliburton didn’t shy away from calling out the entire team for their collective lack of energy and effort.
“I think the product we’re putting on the floor right now as a group is embarrassing,” Haliburton said. “(After) the conversation at halftime, I think we entered the second half better. But it’s got to be like that for 48 minutes.
“Every team is playing hard right now. Every team is young and has energy. And there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be matching and beyond.”
Tyrese Haliburton Shoulders Blame For Pacers Poor Play https://t.co/a1yKNkg4GU
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 4, 2024
