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Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Makes Painful Admission After Subpar Game 5 Vs. New York Knicks 11 May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts in the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game one of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers: Former NBA Star Threw Shade at Tyrese Haliburton & Co. For Being in the Finals

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 2:29 AM ET

On their path to the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers outlasted every club they played. Since the 2025 playoffs began, the team’s performance has taken many by surprise. The Pacers have outlasted the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana has earned a trip to the Finals and the chance to capture the championship with their performance.

During Game 1 of the Pacers’ series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas had something to say about their current playoff run. The three-time All-Star threw shade at Indiana’s basketball team for not being a legitimate title team.

According to Arenas, having Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers in the Finals isn’t a good thing. He said that it could destroy Indy’s run and give their fans the idea that they are a championship team.

Arenas revealed his take during his live watch party of the first game of the best-of-seven series.

“I think them being here does f**k them up because now I think the Indiana fanbase actually thinks that they’re a legit championship team and they’re gonna expect this from them,” Arenas said. “And I don’t think that they know reality of the teams that being built.

Arenas pointed out to teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, that are making moves to be legitimate title contenders. The former Washington Wizards star said that Indiana isn’t considered a championship team, and that could pressure the roster to have a repeat of what they did this year.

“Your team ain’t built for that and you’re going to put so much pressure on this team to try and repeat and get back here.”

Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers silenced the doubters after they stole Game 1 from the Thunder and had a 111-110 victory.

Warriors’ star was stunned by how the Indiana Pacers won Game 1

Indiana Pacers Star Takes Blame For Game 3 Collapse 1 May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Haliburton did it again for the Indiana Pacers. The two-time All-Star broke the hearts of the fans at the Paycom Center with his clutch mid-range shot to give his team the lead with 0.3 seconds left.

After the game, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green revealed his thoughts on how Haliburton led the Pacers.

“I think in an ideal world, you want your star player take over the game like that,” Green continued. “The reality is, Hali not really that dude. He’s that dude as far as the player that he is. But when I say ‘he’s not that dude,’ he’s not gonna go look to score every time. That’s just not his mindset. He’s looking to get everyone involved. I think when it comes to Hali, everyone wants him to be something he’s not,” the four-time champion said.

With a 1-0 lead in the series, the Indiana Pacers have the momentum as they’ll play Game 2 on Sunday.

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Surpasses Chris Paul in This 1 Wild Point Guard Stat 2 Mar 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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