NBA Makes Historic Tyrese Haliburton, LeBron James Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 27, 2025 10:18 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers entered Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks with a determination to rebound after a disappointing Game 3 loss. In that matchup, the Pacers squandered a 20-point lead, ultimately falling 106-100. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 20 points but acknowledged his role in the second-half collapse, citing a lack of pace and poor execution as contributing factors.

In Game 4, the Pacers came out with renewed energy, leading the first quarter 43-35. Haliburton was instrumental in this surge, recording 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds in the opening period. He was efficient from the field, converting four of six shots, including all three of his three-point attempts.

Haliburton's exceptional performance in the first quarter was unprecedented, as he became only the second player in the play-by-play era (since 1998) to achieve at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single playoff quarter. The only other player to accomplish this feat is Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

At the end of the first quarter, the NBA took to social media to announce this major milestone:

HISTORY FOR HALIBURTON IN THE 1Q

He's the 2nd player in the play-by-play era (1998) to have 15+ PTS, 5+ REB, & 5+ AST in a single playoff quarter!

The other?

LeBron James pic.twitter.com/j3HT3HBMbp
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2025

LeBron James achieved this milestone against the Golden State Warriors during the 2015 NBA Finals, while he was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As the series progresses, the Pacers aim to capitalize on this momentum and secure a 3-1 series lead before the series shifts back to New York.

With Haliburton playing at this level, Indiana could be heading for a trip to the NBA Finals.

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

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