Tyrese Haliburton emphasized Indiana’s aggressive mindset and defensive intensity following the Pacers’ 129-109 blowout victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Haliburton described how the Pacers seized early control. “We came out, set the tone from the jump and really just rode that wave,” he said, pointing to both shot-making and defense as critical in building Indiana’s 41-point halftime lead—tied for the largest in NBA playoff history.
Haliburton credited the bench unit, including Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Isaiah Jackson, for sustaining the momentum. “We had a lot of different guys chip in,” he said, noting the team’s balanced scoring effort.
Responding to how the Pacers bounce back after blowout losses—a pattern now repeated three times in the past two playoffs—Haliburton pointed to head coach Rick Carlisle’s film sessions. “They’re always pretty ugly after a loss,” he said, adding that Carlisle’s intensity and adjustment strategies are central to the team’s resilience.
“The film’s ugly,” Haliburton reiterated when asked to describe the mood in those review sessions. “Coach does a great job of challenging guys… I typically get the brunt of it first, and then it trickles down.”
Indiana opened Game 4 by exploiting mismatches inside, targeting Cleveland’s backline with Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin establishing deep post position. “I thought those guys were really good at setting the tone,” Haliburton said. “We weren’t in the paint as much last game.”
Haliburton also praised Myles Turner, who scored 20 points and hit all four of his three-point attempts. “He poses a different threat than most teams have at that five position,” Haliburton said, citing Turner’s dual ability to shoot and score in the paint.
When asked about an animated moment following a technical free throw and three-pointer in front of Cleveland’s bench, Haliburton explained it was light-hearted trash talk between him and Tristan Thompson. “That’s family… part of the fun,” he said.
Indiana forced 16 turnovers and scored 35 points off those mistakes, which Haliburton attributed to their ball pressure and rebounding focus. “When we can get a couple buckets where we get out and run… we’re tough to beat,” he said.
Despite being held to 11 points, Haliburton said he impacted the game by adjusting off the ball and screening to create opportunities. “If I screen, I can get other guys open,” he said. “It’s all a game within the game.”
Haliburton also addressed public scrutiny following Game 3, when he did not speak postgame. “I probably should have spoke,” he said. “But I wasn’t really in the mood… I’m a human being.”
Acknowledging criticism that comes with being a franchise centerpiece, Haliburton said, “It’s just basketball, bro… I love being here in Indiana.”
The Pacers will look to close out the series in Game 5 on Tuesday in Cleveland.
