The Los Angeles Lakers underachieved in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year, getting eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This early exit has allowed Lakers superstar LeBron James to watch the rest of the playoffs from afar, something he’s always done, showcasing his passion for the game he’s mastered over 22 seasons in the NBA.
One player who caught his attention on Tuesday night, following a masterful first-half performance, was Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton, who was recently voted the most “overrated player” in a poll conducted by “The Athletic” among anonymous NBA players, has James believing the criticism is clearly misguided.
“Hali [explicit] hooping!!!! Where the lames who said he was overrated??!! Quiet as hell. That boy NICE and even more someone everyone would love to play with!”
After getting into some early foul trouble in the first quarter, Tyrese Haliburton quickly found his rhythm for the Pacers, who were trailing by double digits to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He erupted for 17 first-half points, with 15 of those coming from beyond the arc. Haliburton hit five consecutive 3-pointers, adding to his four rebounds and two assists.
The Pacers are just one win away from defeating the Cavaliers in their second-round series and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year—an achievement Haliburton has been the catalyst for.
Haliburton has been clutch all postseason, knocking down two game-winners already. Over the last four seasons, he’s established himself as one of the league’s most clutch players, averaging over 17.5 points and nine assists per game during that stretch.
