Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reacts after a foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Dwyane Wade Makes Bold Tyrese Haliburton Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 12:16 AM ET

On Thursday night, Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

While he scored just 14 points, the two-time All-Star nailed the game-winning shot.

Via The NBA: "debuts new signature shoe
debuts in the Finals
hits the game-winner

What a night for Tyrese Haliburton!"

✅ debuts new signature shoe
✅ debuts in the Finals
✅ hits the game-winner

What a night for Tyrese Haliburton!pic.twitter.com/4ClUeMOhrf https://t.co/qoxlnFBjU9
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025

A lot of people reacted to Haliburton's big shot, and one person who shared their thoughts was Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade.

Wade (via Wy Network By Dwyane Wade): "Haliburton is a f***ing superstar. I just witnessed one of the greatest games... This is one of the greatest games I've watched as a fan."

“Haliburton is a f***** superstar. I’m going to get a jersey. I need it signed.” @DwyaneWade reflects on the Pacers 4th Quarter comeback and Haliburton’s game winner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/2fHiltyk5c
— Wy Network by Dwyane Wade (@wynetwork) June 6, 2025

Haliburton's total stat line was 14 points, ten rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 6/13 from the field and 2/7 from the three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.

Via NBA Communications:

"Indiana’s Game 1 victory over Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals on ABC peaked with 11 million viewers at the end of the 4th quarter when Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot.

Game 1 averaged nearly 3 times more viewers than the next most-watched program on any other network last night.

Nearly half of all 18- to 34-year-olds who were watching TV last night were tuned in to the NBA Finals.

Game 1 generated more than 500 million views on social media - an all-time record."

Indiana’s Game 1 victory over Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals on ABC peaked with 11 million viewers at the end of the 4th quarter when Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot.

Game 1 averaged nearly 3 times more viewers than the next most-watched program on any other…
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 7, 2025

Game 2 of the series will be on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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