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The NBA Finals are currently tied at 1-1 as the series moves to Indiana for Game 3. The Pacers may have dropped Game 2, but they capitalized on home court advantage by clinching victory over the Thunder in Game 1, thanks to a game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton, a standout performer throughout the playoffs.
Typically known for his shooting efficiency, Haliburton began the regular season on a rocky note, hitting only 40.5% of his shots in the first 21 games. However, a 30-point outburst in December against the Raptors, where he made 10 out of 16 attempts, marked a turnaround for his season. From that point on, he improved to a shooting percentage of 50.2%.
By the end of the season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points along with 3.0 made 3-pointers per game, boasting a shooting percentage of 47.3% overall and 38.8% from three-point range. Remarkably, he has never finished a season with a shooting percentage below 47.2%. Nevertheless, his scoring average dipped slightly, as he had recorded over 20.1 points per game in each of the previous two seasons. In his first complete season alongside Pascal Siakam, Haliburton’s usage rate declined from 24.6% two years back to 21.6% this year.
Siakam’s playmaking abilities also played a role in Haliburton’s average of 9.2 assists per game, as he had less time with the ball in his hands. While this is still a solid figure, it falls short of the 10.4 assists he averaged in both of the previous seasons.
Throughout the playoffs, Haliburton has made several key shots, including the decisive basket in Game 1 against the Thunder. His playoff statistics mirror his regular-season performance, averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers across 18 playoff games. He has shot 46.9% from the field but has had some difficulty from long range, hitting 33.3% of his three-point attempts.
In fantasy basketball drafts this season, Haliburton was picked on average at 12th overall, making him a first-round selection in many leagues. Despite a slight drop in his scoring and assists compared to the last two years, he still delivered a valuable season. He played in 73 games, marking the second-highest total of his career. For a player like Haliburton, who frequently handles the ball, maintaining an average of 1.6 turnovers per game is particularly commendable, enhancing his value in leagues that penalize turnovers.
Having turned 25 in February, Haliburton is yet to hit his peak. The Pacers are poised to retain most of their roster for the next season, with Myles Turner being the only significant free agent. Haliburton, along with Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin, are all secured under contract for at least two more years.
As a young talent who leads a fast-paced team, Haliburton stands to benefit from continuity if Turner stays. Even if Turner decides to leave during free agency, Haliburton will still be surrounded by familiar teammates. Anticipate Haliburton to be a first-round pick in many fantasy basketball drafts next season, and rightly so.
