Dec 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the fourth quarter of the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton is Having a Better Postseason Than Prime LeBron James

Originally posted on Indianapolis Pacers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 1:44 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers have been led by Tyrese Haliburton throughout these playoffs. He has been the best player that they've had in each of the last two playoff runs.

Haliburton has forced the rest of the NBA to recognize his greatness. After hitting yet another game-winning shot in Game 1, it's impossible not to recognize him as a superstar.

He has been putting on an all-time run throughout the playoffs, but just how good of a run is it? It's so good, that it's even better than anything LeBron James was able to do during his prime.

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is now the most clutch player in the history of the playoffs

Not only has Haliburton proven that he is a superstar with this incredible playoff run, but he has proven that he is one of the best clutch players of all time.

Haliburton has by far the highest clutch score of any player in the history of the playoffs since 2002, and another Pacers player is on this list.

Update from @inpredict after another clutch shot: https://t.co/dlvcOvleu9 pic.twitter.com/dy16R1bWhh
— Todd Whitehead (@CrumpledJumper) June 6, 2025

It's an incredible performance for a guy who is only in his second playoffs in his career. The deep run that the Pacers made in last year's playoffs clearly helped him be more comfortable.

Now, the Pacers aren't happy to be in the playoffs like they were last year. They have real expectations for what they want to do. They had a goal of winning a championship this year.

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Indiana will need Haliburton to keep playing at this level if they are going to win their first championship in franchise history. He continues to be that guy who is the most comfortable one on the court in clutch situations.

The Pacers are a great team when Haliburton is at his absolute best. He wasn't at his best in Game 1, and Indiana was still able to win the game. It was an incredible result for the Pacers in their first NBA Finals game in 25 years.

This postseason, Haliburton is averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game.

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

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