“Where You At?” Stephen A Smith Eviscerates Tyrese Haliburton for Pacers Game 2 Finals Loss

NBA analyst went all out at Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton in the recent segment of the FirstTake show after the Thunder won Game 2.

“Where You At?” Stephen A Smith Eviscerates Tyrese Haliburton for Pacers Game 2 Finals Loss

Tyrese Haliburton (Image by FirstSportz)

In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, played at the Paycom Center on Sunday, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-107. Tyrese Haliburton, a guard, finished with just 17 points after struggling to make shots versus the Thunder’s defense. This surely attracted attention from the NBA community, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in particular.

In addition, at the end of the third quarter, the 25-year-old had just five points, casting doubt on his alleged superstar status. When discussing Haliburton’s performance on Monday morning’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith didn’t mince words. The longtime OKC Thunder fan made it known to the Pacers star about his mistakes in the game.

When you mentioned somebody on that [superstar] level, it got to be bonafide. Halliburton has that potential, but at the end, last night was emblematic of the criticism he’s received because, in losses and games, they’ve struggled [and] that’s what he’s looked like. Where you at? … With him, it happens too often.

Stephen A. Smith said

Haliburton finished with a minus-five plus-minus rating after only making three of eight three-point attempts. To make up for his absence of scoring, he would rack up 12 points in the fourth quarter, but it was too late to initiate a comeback. Smith clarified that he believed Haliburton lacked “that level of attack mode” due to his lack of a jump shot and “push the ball into the open court.”

During the Eastern Conference playoffs, Haliburton stepped up to help Indiana to victory by scoring over 20 points in Games 1, 4, and 6 versus the New York Knicks.

But he can also stop scoring when his side needs it, particularly in important games like Sunday’s. As the series moves to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 on Wednesday, it remains to be seen how Haliburton will react to his lackluster effort in Game 2.

Tyrese Haliburton made his case clear regarding his upcoming NBA Finals Game 3

With the series knotted 1-1, the Indiana Pacers will host Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Tyrese Haliburton, the team leader, talked about the changes the Pacers must make going forward after the club’s defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 on Sunday night, 123-107. Hailiburton made his intentions clear regarding the attacking game plan against the Thunder.

We know that the paint is ours, and the paint is our friend. The more we’re able to attack the paint, usually better things happen for us. So, it’s just about getting threes your way. If you just swing the ball around and take late clock 3s, it’s really difficult. And sometimes you’re stuck in that situation. You gotta make whatever you can with it, but we got to do a better job of not playing so late into the clock and getting threes our way.

Tyrese Haliburton told the reporters

Haliburton can silence his detractors in Game 3 and show off the leadership traits that have carried the Pacers this far. As Haliburton tries to improve his performance and lead his team to victory, the tension is rising, and the focus is still squarely on him.

Stephen A. Smith made an interesting case about Kevin Durant and the Miami Heat

Kevin Durant is now available for purchase thanks to the Phoenix Suns. Sadly, the two-time champion was unable to duplicate his Golden State triumph in Phoenix, as the team only managed one postseason series during his tenure. After a failed trade move back in February, Durant is on the move again and NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith had an interesting take regarding this matter.

They need all the help they can get. They need a No. 1 option, they can play defense, and Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo ain’t no scrubs. They just need a No. 1 option. That wasn’t Jimmy Butler. We love him, but that wasn’t him. That’s KD. He’s gonna give you 27 a night.

Stephen A. Smith said

The Miami Heat, who could enhance seasoned Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo in the offensive unit, were ranked as the fifth-best team by Smith for Durant. Last season, Durant produced 26.6 points on 52.7 percent shooting. To acquire him, they might have to make many sacrifices, but it could be a welcome addition to their aging team.

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