Tyrese Haliburton

Bookreaders and movie enthusiasts sometimes argue that thrill levels simply don’t peak as highly after one has experienced the highs-and-lows of a particular plot more than once. Given the familiar formula they’ve followed for success during 2025’s NBA Playoffs — a seemingly-impossible comeback, curtained by a Tyrese Haliburton game-winner — the Indiana Pacers have offered quite the rebuttal. Perhaps contemplating whether or not to clank a free throw with Indiana trailing by two in the final 12 seconds, Haliburton turns a misfire and fortuitous bounce into a clutch rebound, unlocking possibilities for a could-be heroic finish. Wisely electing to reset the offense from atop the 3-point arc, Haliburton uses a series of dribbles to take Ty Jerome on a ride worthy of a buckle-up, ultimately “calling game” with a crowd-silencing stepback trifecta. May 6, 2025’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers merely marked the latest instance of Indiana’s resilience, with Haliburton leading through a 19-point performance (11 in the fourth), alongside nine rebounds, four assists, one block, and two 3-pointers.