Pacers need Tyrese Haliburton to emphasize scoring more — and earlier

Although Haliburton has done a masterful job of running the offense, leading all players in assists in the playoffs thus far, there have been games where the Olympic gold medalist was far too passive.

Through 18 playoff games, the former Iowa State standout has scored 15 or fewer points in seven contests. Indiana is 4-3 in such games. 

However, when Haliburton finds his shot and gets into an offensive rhythm, the Pacers have been virtually unbeatable. So far this season, Indiana boasts a 32-4 record (including the playoffs) when Haliburton scores 20 or more points. They have suffered just one loss when the 6-foot-5 guard scores 30+ points.

Though it isn't realistic to expect Haliburton to evolve into a Steph Curry-caliber scorer overnight, his team will need him to score to the best of his ability. 

Indiana doesn't have many (if any) dynamic scorers aside from Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, and the team needs the duo to fuel the offense.

"Haliburton has to set the tone from the jump," former Bulls guard Marquis Teague said during a Club 520 podcast appearance. "[He] can't come out passive. That doesn't mean he has to shoot 100 shots, but he has to be aggressive. He has to be aggressive from the get-go."

Game 3 on Wednesday will be the first NBA Finals contest in Indianapolis since Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals. Facing a 3-1 deficit, the Pacers dismantled the Lakers by 33 in a game they had to win to extend the series. In this series, the Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the series tied 1-1 after securing a nail-biting Game 1 victory on June 5.

“It’s still a race, first to four,” Haliburton said. “We are going to our home court tied 1-1, and we love playing at home. Love playing in front of our fans. Our fans are amazing. So just see where we can get better, and yeah, take it a day at a time.”