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[Saba Sports News] Tyrese Haliburton showed real class in victory Sunday as his Indiana Pacers moved one win away from the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Haliburton expertly picked apart the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense in Game 4 of their first-round series at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pacers All-Star finished with 17 points and 15 assists in a dominant 129-103 blowout — an impressive showing for someone recently labeled the “most overrated” player in the league.
Before taking any questions at his postgame press conference, Haliburton made a point to acknowledge Damian Lillard, who had suffered a likely torn Achilles earlier in the game.
“Before you all ask any questions, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Dame,” Haliburton told reporters. “What you see between us is competing. You hate to see that happen, especially to a guy who’s been through a lot. He’s giving it his all to come out here and play after the scary health issue. … The love I have for that guy, you hate to see that happen to anybody.”
While Lillard and Haliburton had exchanged some heated moments earlier in the series, Haliburton’s comments made it clear their battles stayed within the bounds of respectful competition.
With Lillard sidelined, the Pacers now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Meanwhile, the Bucks may have bigger problems looming. Beyond the immediate threat of elimination, Milwaukee now faces the long-term challenge of keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo content as Lillard could miss a significant portion of next season.