Getty Image / Dylan Buell
A lot of the NBA’s most popular stars are getting close to retirement, and the league is in need of some young stars to break through in a big way. If fans weren’t aware of how good he was already, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton showed everyone he is an elite player in the Pacers’ 122-112 win over the Boston Celtics in the quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament.
With the win, the team advanced to the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Thursday in Las Vegas. They will take on the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks game Tuesday night.
But, the story was the excellent play of Haliburton. The Iowa State product dazzled Monday night, scoring 26 points with 13 assists and 10 rebounds on just 18 shots. That’s a massive stat-line, and it is his first career triple-double as well.
In case you forget, Haliburton was the main piece the Pacers received in a trade that sent Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings. Typically, there are winners and losers in trades, but that’s a trade that I think both sides are okay with.
Haliburton, just 23-years-old, made his first All-Star team last year amidst a breakout campaign. He averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists, good for the second-most assists in the league.
He’s been even better this year, averaging over 26 points per game and just a shade under 12 assists a contest. Those are All-NBA numbers, maybe even a contender for first-team All-NBA.
He’s flirting with the 50/40/90 club in terms of shooting percentages, and that’s a feat that only nine players have ever achieved in NBA history.
His impressive size for a lead guard allows him to see the floor so effectively, and his jumper has significantly improved in his four years in the NBA.
Needless to say, if you’re not paying attention to Tyrese Haliburton already, you need to start. Monday’s performance made that clear.