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[Saba Sports News] When Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton delivered 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, four steals, and zero turnovers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he was hailed as a rising superstar by analysts, fans, and former players alike.
But in Game 5’s 111-94 loss to the New York Knicks, Haliburton faded into the background. The 25-year-old managed just eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, barely making a mark at Madison Square Garden.
In just 48 hours, the narrative around Haliburton shifted dramatically. ESPN analyst and former No. 2 overall pick Jay Williams didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“What we saw last night was unacceptable,” Williams said on Friday’s First Take. “There’s a huge level of accountability on Tyrese Haliburton. When he’s aggressive from the start, when he looks to score and attack, they’re a much better team.”
Williams voiced what many within the Pacers organization—and Haliburton himself—already understand. While Haliburton is a pass-first playmaker, his team needs him to take 10 or more shots per game if they want to make a serious title push. His inconsistent scoring has long fueled debate over whether he truly deserves the “superstar” label.
Still, Williams isn’t among those casting doubt. He emphasized that one poor game doesn’t erase Haliburton’s stellar postseason performance.
“I still believe Tyrese Haliburton is a superstar,” said Williams, the 2001–02 AP National Player of the Year. “That was his worst playoff showing. Yes, he’s had several single-digit scoring nights this season—13, I believe—but you can’t overstate how vital he is to this team.”
Indiana has leaned on its balanced attack throughout the playoffs, but eventually, the best player needs to seize control. Haliburton has carried the team through most of this run, but at this stage, one off-night could derail everything.
After capping a miraculous Game 2 win over the Cavaliers with a step-back three in the final second, Haliburton followed up with a four-point performance in a blowout loss. Now, after a historic Game 4 showing against the Knicks, he again followed it up with a quiet outing. These swings are part of his game—but so is his ability to respond.
As the Pacers look to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals in Saturday’s Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, head coach Rick Carlisle will undoubtedly push for Haliburton to get involved early. If Indiana wins, expect the conversation to flip yet again.