Tyrese Haliburton Sends Caitlin Clark, Fever Message After Playoff Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 24, 2025 6:03 AM ET

Many expected this year's Eastern Conference finals to be a very competitive fight between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. But hardly anyone could've imagined, let alone expected, what has transpired in the first two games at Madison Square Garden.

The Pacers fought back from a double-digit deficit with less than three minutes left in Game 1 to force overtime and earn a 138-135 win. Then in Game 2 on Friday, they clawed back from behind again and claimed a 114-109 victory.

The series will now shift to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the next two games. Game 3 will take place on Sunday, which just happens to be the same day the Indy 500 will take place.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton commented on what the scene will be like on Sunday.

"I can't imagine all those people then coming over to Gainbridge," he said. "It's going to be a rowdy crowd... It's going to be a special time.

"... I think the energy in Indy is so special right now, not only from what we're doing but the [Indiana] Fever -- people are loving what they're doing as well"

Tyrese Haliburton on Game 3 for the #Pacers and the Indy 500 both being on Sunday:

"I can't imagine all those people then coming over to Gainbridge. It's going to be a rowdy crowd... It's going to be a special time." pic.twitter.com/DmJgoCRFg1
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) May 24, 2025

Haliburton didn't play up to his standards on Friday, but in Game 1, he delivered with 31 points and 11 assists to lead Indiana's fast-paced attack.

He has been clutch all throughout this year's playoffs, and as a result, his team now seems to be on its way to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

What has transpired so far in the East finals is a testament to Indiana's fast-breaking style of play. Although they weren't a statistically elite offensive team during the regular season, they have gained a reputation as a team that will keep attacking and pushing the pace for 48 minutes.

One advantage of such a style of basketball is that it creates fatigue for plenty of opposing teams that aren't as deep or well-conditioned. In particular, the Knicks lack depth, and many feel right now it is a big reason why Indiana has put them in a perilous situation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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