Indiana Pacers Cleared Tyrese Haliburton's Dad to Attend Home Games 4 May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) walks off the court after game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner Gets 100% Honest on Tyrese Haliburton’s 'Overrated' Label

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 9:49 AM ET

As the Indiana Pacers qualify for their first NBA Finals since 2000, center Myles Turner has officially declared Tyrese Haliburton’s “overrated” label dead.

“I’m so proud of Tyrese (Haliburton), bro for real,” Turner said via Evan Dammarrell of SI. “Man, I just, y’all seen when it comes to being a superstar, bro, you got to take everything that comes with it, the highs and the lows, the good and the bad and, you know, from how the season started to how he was getting trashed, and everybody was basically trying to turn their heads to him.”

“He just kept his head down and kept working, man. I think that even going to these playoffs, the whole overrated thing. I mean, obviously, we know that’s dead now. It’s not much you can say now about but I’m just proud of the way he’s handled everything,” he added.

Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner Gets 100% Honest on Tyrese Haliburton's May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) holds the trophy after game six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

During the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton averaged 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and 2.5 steals on 45.5 percent shooting from the field, and he also had several clutch moments against the New York Knicks throughout the series.

Indiana Pacers labeled as massive underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder

Just like in the previous series, the Indiana Pacers are being overlooked ahead of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. ESPN has Oklahoma City as the overwhelming 75.0 percent favorites to win it all.

Indiana Pacers Set New Franchise Record in 162-109 Win Vs. Washington Wizards 1 Mar 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers teammates swarm and celebrate the game-tying basket made by guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

However, as shown throughout these playoffs, you can never count out the Indiana Pacers because of their explosive offense and impeccable execution during crunch time.

Game 1 between Indiana and Oklahoma City tips off this Thursday at Paycom Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won their previous two regular season meetings with the Indiana Pacers this season.