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Tyrese Haliburton's New Nickname Goes Viral Before Game 2 of NBA Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan D. Massey | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 2:04 PM ET

The run that the Indiana Pacers and star guard Tyrese Haliburton have been on in the playoffs this season has been special. After coming back to win Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers are just three wins away from their first championship in franchise history.

All postseason long, Haliburton has been clutch. Every time he shoots a clutch shot, fans expect it to go in.

That same thing happened in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton nailed a tough pull-up jumper with just 0.3 seconds left to seal the win for Indiana.

Due to his clutch theatrics, Haliburton has earned a new nickname heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

As shared by Bleacher Report, Basketball Reference has coined a new nickname for Haliburton. He is now known as Tyrese "The Moment" Haliburton.

Hali's playoff heroics earns him a new nickname on @bball_ref

Tyrese "The Moment" Haliburton pic.twitter.com/mmpJXqF7NI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 7, 2025

Haliburton's new nickname is extremely fitting. He has now made 13 of his 15 shots in game-tying or winning circumstances this season.

Indiana will play Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder on Sunday night. Haliburton will need to continue playing at a high level and making plays in clutch situations for the Pacers to win it all.

All season long, there has been a debate about Haliburton. Is he overrated or a legitimate rising superstar? He is starting to answer that question.

As for Indiana as a team, the Pacers continue finding ways to win. They were down by nine points with just under three minutes remaining in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Regardless of whether or not they win a championship, this has been a special season with the franchise having a very bright outlook for the future.

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

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