Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton rose to the occasion Tuesday night, scoring 21 points, dishing out a game-high 12 assists, and securing his sixth career playoff double-double as the team took down the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115. The performance came on the heels of an anonymous player poll in which Haliburton was voted the most overrated player in the NBA.
Despite receiving 14.4% of the votes, Haliburton’s peers couldn’t deny his impact on the court. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle defended his star point guard, calling the poll “b—-.” Carlisle also praised Haliburton’s abilities, stating that he would be a finalist for MVP if given the opportunity.
Haliburton has always been open to criticism and uses it as motivation to improve. His emotional playstyle often leads to fans and teammates alike praising his enthusiasm and joy on the court. With two All-Star selections under his belt, Haliburton continues to prove himself as a force in the NBA.
The Pacers are well-positioned to continue their winning streak against Milwaukee, with Haliburton at the forefront of their efforts. As teammate Pascal Siakam noted, “He makes us go,” and with that mindset, Indiana is ready to ride with Haliburton until the wheels fall off.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6300950/2025/04/23/tyrese-haliburton-nba-most-overrated-player-poll