Jan 4, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Tyrese Haliburton Makes Feelings Clear About Jalen Brunson

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 23, 2025 10:22 PM ET

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are currently in the middle of an Eastern Conference finals series.

Before the game, the NBA on TNT released a Tyrese Haliburton interview (conducted by Pacers legend Reggie Miller).

Haliburton spoke honestly about Knicks star Jalen Brunson.

Haliburton: "We're alphas we want to be the best. When our names are always in the same conversation and now we're here battling to bring our teams to the NBA Finals, I think that you're gonna see some competition and you're gonna see the best in both of us... Me and Jalen, as much as I hate to say it, we're friends. We are friends. We text each other throughout the season... I think to be the best, you have to beat the best and Jalen has been amazing, willing his team to get to where they are. I think that's why I'm excited to compete against him on an every night basis."

"Me and Jalen [Brunson], as much as I hate to say it, we're friends!"

Tyrese Haliburton talks with Reggie Miller about the spirit of competition and how it's all business as soon as the ball tips off ️ pic.twitter.com/aT6PDcET4w
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 23, 2025

Haliburton and Brunson are two of the best point guards in the Eastern Confernece.

The Pacers won Game 1 by a score of 138-135 in overtime.

Via The NBA: "THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT

Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation.
13 PTS in OT.

Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM & Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot"

THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT

Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation.
13 PTS in OT.

Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM & Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025

Despite the loss in Game 1, Brunson had 43 points.

Jalen Brunson has scored 30+ points tonight against the Pacers. This marks his 18th career 30+ point playoff game as a Knick, which ties Patrick Ewing for the most in franchise history.
— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) May 22, 2025

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

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