Indiana Pacers' Star Earns Praise, Compared to 2x Suns' MVP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 28, 2025 4:49 PM ET

After posting a 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and zero turnover effort in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton has all but cemented himself as one of the greatest point guards in the world.

The mid-2000s Phoenix Suns, under Steve Nash, ushered in the era of pace to the NBA, but this year's Indiana Pacers seem to have perfected it. Thanks to Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, Nash and the Suns never made the NBA Finals, although Haliburton has the Pacers just one win away.

As fans enjoy watching the Pacers outrun the Knicks on both ends of the floor, Nash takes special enjoyment in seeing the style he helped popularize continue to take off.

“I texted Steve Nash (during) the game and I asked him, ‘Do you feel like he is the illegitimate son of the Seven Seconds Or Less Suns?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely," said Bill Simmons on his self-titled podcast.

Nash, coached by Mike D'Antoni, never really locked in on defense, and the Suns relied on running up the court after a rebound or made shot. The Pacers, under Rick Carlisle, are solid on defense and have been causing turnover after turnover against the Knicks.

While Nash might not want to admit it, Haliburton and the Pacers seem to have evolved the 'Seven Seconds or Less' offense, and are not just emulating it.

On Thursday, the Pacers will look to send the Knicks packing in Madison Square Garden in Game 5 of the series.

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

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