Tyrese Haliburton Finds Scoring Balance, Propels Pacers to ‌Victory

​ Updated June‍ 12, 2025
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Tyrese Haliburton showcased a blend‌ of scoring and playmaking in ‍Game 3 of the NBA Finals, leading the Indiana Pacers to a⁤ 116-107 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton, known‌ for his pass-first mentality, finished with 22 points, ⁢11 assists, ⁢and nine‍ rebounds.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had challenged Haliburton ‌to be more aggressive ⁤after a Game 2 loss. Carlisle noted that Haliburton’s impact extends beyond points and assists, but emphasized the need for increased assertiveness.

In Wednesday’s win, Haliburton demonstrated a balanced approach. He took 17 shots, making nine, including​ four 3-pointers. Carlisle ⁤praised Haliburton’s spatial awareness and aggression, noting his ability⁣ to involve teammates while seeking‌ his own scoring opportunities.

Despite being⁢ an elite playmaker, the Pacers benefit when Haliburton looks for his own shot. This​ season, Haliburton led the ⁤league in passes, highlighting his pass-first nature.Though, his scoring ⁣directly ⁢correlates with‍ team success.

Early in Game 3, Haliburton’s⁢ mindset was evident. On ⁢one play, he pump-faked on a screen, ‌drawing defenders and creating an prospect for Andrew Nembhard. Although ​the Pacers didn’t score, the possession demonstrated how Haliburton’s aggression‍ could open up ⁤the ‌offense.

Another instance saw Haliburton ‌drive toward the basket, drawing multiple defenders before⁢ passing to Ben Sheppard for an open shot. These plays highlighted Haliburton’s ability to manipulate the defense and create scoring chances for his teammates.

​ “Terrific,” Carlisle said of Haliburton’s effort. “I​ thought his approach tonight was exactly what it needed to be:​ a combination of spatial awareness and ​aggression. And a real good‍ feel for aggression to score ‍along⁤ with‍ getting his teammates involved at ⁢the right times. He was terrific.”

Throughout the game, Haliburton mixed drives to the basket with 3-point attempts. His 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter put⁢ the Pacers ahead⁤ for‍ good.

⁤ ⁣ “Ther was adjustments that had ⁢to be​ made coming into ⁣today for me and I thought I did a better ‌job at that and I watched film again and see ⁢where ‌I can get better,” Haliburton said. ​”I’m never going to be, you know, super great and shoot ‌so ⁤many shots⁢ every game consistently. there’s going to ‍be⁢ games where⁢ I don’t and I’ve got to be able ⁤to find the right balance between the two. but I⁢ mean, I think experience⁣ is the best way I can learn from it.”
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The numbers support the need for Haliburton ‌to score. In the playoffs, ⁤the Pacers are 9-1 when Haliburton​ attempts ‍at least 15 shots, compared to 5-4 when he doesn’t. ⁣A similar​ trend occurred during the regular season, ‍where the Pacers were 24-9 when Haliburton‌ had 15 or more ​shots and 22-18 when he was below that number.

Interestingly, haliburton’s assist numbers ‍also increase when he shoots more.⁢ During the playoffs, he averages 11 assists in⁣ games with 15-plus shots and 7.7 assists in games with fewer than 15 shots.

While Haliburton’s natural inclination is to pass, his scoring threat makes him an ⁣even more effective playmaker. When defenses⁣ respect his scoring ability,it opens up opportunities for his teammates.

What’s next

The Pacers will look to build on this victory, relying on Tyrese Haliburton’s balanced approach to navigate the remainder of the NBA finals.