Pacers Edge Knicks, Haliburton Sparks Superstar Debate

Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals with a historic Game 4 performance, recording 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and zero turnovers—the first player in NBA playoff history to achieve such a stat line. Despite this, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and former NBA star Gilbert Arenas remain reluctant to label Haliburton a superstar, citing his inconsistency and lack of a distinctive playing style or early stardom, as Arenas pointed out that most superstars have been recognized since high school. Conversely, ESPN's Jay Williams strongly defended Haliburton's status as a superstar, praising his offensive manipulation and impact on the game during this pivotal playoff moment. Haliburton himself downplayed the labels, emphasizing his focus on contributing to team success and winning. The Pacers will have the opportunity to clinch their first NBA Finals berth in 25 years in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. This ongoing debate highlights the evolving perceptions of what defines a superstar in the NBA today.