LAS VEGAS — Tyrese Haliburton established his name as one of the league’s rising stars on Thursday by putting up a spectacular show at the T-Mobile Arena.
The 23-year-old guard scattered 27 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 128-119 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and a place in the finals of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Haliburton showcased his skills in front of a raucous crowd of 18,800.
Taken by the Kings as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the 23-year-old Haliburton, who played college ball at Iowa State, had a slow start in Sacramento. But after a February 2022 trade to Indiana alongside Buddy Hield, his rise has been meteoric.
After last season’s All-Star nod, Haliburton hit the ground running in this ongoing 2022-23 campaign, averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 12.1 assists per game. He is shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from 3.
“We’re playing the right way and we are shocking the world right now. We’re going to continue to do that,” Haliburton said at his post-game press conference, “And as long as we pay the right way, we know we’re going to be in every basketball game.” he added.
The vanquished Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo who finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Damian Lillard added 24 on 4-of-9 shooting from 3.
The Pacers face the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship game on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena.
