Pacers Reach 2025 NBA Finals Behind Haliburton's Clutch Shooting

Tyrese Haliburton has been central to the Indiana Pacers' unexpected run to the 2025 NBA Finals, known for his clutch performances, including a game-winning shot in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his late-game heroics, critics and analysts like Jay Williams and Stephen A. Smith have urged Haliburton to be more aggressive and consistent throughout entire games, not just in clutch moments. His performance in Game 2 was notably subdued, scoring just 17 points, which sparked criticism about his passivity and comparisons to past superstar struggles, highlighting a need for greater offensive intensity. While Haliburton maintains a pass-first approach, his scoring output remains crucial for the Pacers’ championship hopes. Austin Rivers praised Haliburton for reviving the mid-range jump shot in clutch situations, a skill considered a lost art in the modern NBA. The series continues as the Pacers seek to build on their Game 1 win and respond to the Thunder’s Game 2 bounce-back victory.