Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was named the most overrated NBA player in a poll conducted last month. As expected, the poll sparked debate on social media.
Three weeks later, the 25-year-old returned the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
Tyrese Haliburton continues to ignore opponents
Halliburton opens to criticism in Wednesday's ESPN version Pat McAfee Show.
“You know, in every sport, only people like, ‘If my team doesn’t do well, I have to talk about other people, or, ‘Hey, he’s doing well with my team – I have to talk about his negative impact.’
“That's how sports and competition work. I mean, we all – everybody has critics. There are critics in your show. I have critics for my work. Jesus has critics. We have critics.”
In 10 games in the playoffs, Halliburton averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 34.1 minutes per game while shooting 47.4% from the field while shooting 33.8% outside of ARC.
Pacers have won three road games in the playoff series since 2005
In Game 5 against the Cavaliers, Halliburton helped Indiana’s rally in the first half with a 19-point deficit and took control after halftime. The Pacers won all three games at the Rockets Arena in Cleveland.
It's the first time since the first round series against the Boston Celtics in 2005, Indiana won three road games in the playoff series. Critics doubt not only Halliburton, but the rest of the supporting actors.
“I think there are a lot of people we are overlooked at some point in our careers.
“Aaron Nesmith was traded, and Bleacher’s report called him a paper bag when he traded. Miles Turner has been trading rumors throughout his career.
“Pasca [Siakam] The game started very late and was a big addition to us. We have a lot of people like us who can connect on this level. At some point, we are all ignored. We just use it as fuel to try to do something special. ”
According to basketball reference, Indiana is the first team since sowing in 1984, reaching the final with a 4 seed or two lowered back to the next year.
The Pacers advanced as 6 seeds last year and were swept by the ultimate NBA champion Celtics.
If Indiana enters the NBA finals, fans will have to declare Halliburton the most underrated player. The Pacers' final debut came back in 2000 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
