Since arriving in Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton has not only assumed the role of offensive catalyst he’s grown into the face of the franchise.
That evolution became even more apparent after the team made a major midseason move, acquiring former champion and three-time All-Star Pascal Siakam to bolster its postseason push.
Despite the presence of seasoned stars like Siakam, it’s Haliburton who remains the Pacers’ emotional and tactical leader. As he’s proven time and again in clutch playoff moments, the ball and the responsibility belong in his hands.
“My group wants me to take those shots,” Haliburton said in a recent interview with Jamal Collier of ESPN.
“My coaching staff wants me to take those shots. Our organization wants me to take those shots. I think now we’re at the point where our fans want me to take that shot. Everybody’s living and dying with it at that point. That gives me a lot of confidence.”
Confidence, indeed, has never seemed to be in short supply for the 25-year-old point guard. But what’s different now is that it’s backed by trust from all levels of the franchise – from the front office and coaching staff to teammates and fans.
The acquisition of Siakam gave Indiana another powerful weapon, but Haliburton’s rise as a fearless, big-moment playmaker is what has defined this Pacers playoff run.
As games tighten and stakes rise, it’s clear who the team wants with the ball in hand. And Haliburton has embraced that challenge without hesitation.
Central Notes: Haliburton, Nesmith, Giannis, Sasser https://t.co/oErh9ySGEb pic.twitter.com/fUUqK9vyfD
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 23, 2025
