Haliburton Makes Super Charge Toward Next Level of Stardom

Despite slights by peers and members of the media, the Indiana guard’s clutch play is driving Pacers.
Haliburton Makes Super Charge Toward Next Level of Stardom
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (L) celebrates along with forward Pascal Siakam after scoring during the second half in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on May 13, 2025. Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo
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The media can certainly amplify the voice of the public, but basketball writers, reporters, talking heads, and pundits have probably misfired on a number of shots in recent weeks when it comes to the superstar conversation.

Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been bumping his Q-rating up with each dribble this postseason, is the team’s frontman as it powered into the NBA Finals for just the second time in club history, the first in 25 years. And he did it by becoming a household name and a playoff star.

John E. Gibson
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.