Charles Barkley Gets Checked on Live TV by Tyrese Haliburton for ‘Unfair Assessment’ of Pascal Siakam
Charles Barkley gets an immediate response by Pacers star man Tyrese Haliburton after the former went at his teammate, Pascal Siakam.

Tyrese Haliburton and Charles Barkley (Image by FirstSportz)
The Pacers wanted their superstars, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, to stand up tonight after their heartbreaking loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Losing at home would put them in a difficult position for the series. Recognizing the stakes, the pair performed as expected, scoring an outstanding 43 points together. The Pacers ultimately defeated the Thunder by a margin of nine points on Wednesday in Game 3.
Despite pulling off a sensational win on home turf, NBVA analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was not content with one Pacers star in particular: Pascal Siakam. After the game, Barkley made it known that he had a problem with Siakam’s approach towards the game, only to get checked by his teammate and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on Live TV.
What is the deal with Siakam? Why he go from passive to aggressive from game to game?
Charles Barkley questioned Tyrese Haliburton
You know I don’t think that’s a fair assessment to be honest with you. I think the way that they guard, he operates so well in the mid post. When he catching in the mid post, they’re talking about rotating the guy fully from the baseline. They just got hands, they’re swarming the ball. So, we just trying to make reads and make the right play. Thought he did a great job operating today…
Tyrese Haliburton responded
Charles Barkley: "What is the deal with [Pascal Siakam]? Why does he go from passive to aggressive from game to game?…"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2025
Tyrese Haliburton politely explains in detail why he "[doesn't] think that's a fair assessment." 🏀📺🎙️ #NBA #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/Zxk4rPPJLE
An intriguing explanation, and one that makes a lot of sense. People don’t often get to see what a top NBA point guard thinks. Above all, it’s obvious that Haliburton won’t hear any criticism from his teammates while he’s speaking.
As for the game, this particular match was regarding the battle of the best defenses at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The home team’s defense was excellent in well, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder with little space. Indiana finished with a 116-107 victory after a strong fourth quarter of 32-18. OKC’s offensive woes came back to haunt them in the closing minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 9–20 from the field to score 24 points. He had six turnovers as well. However, Bennedict Mathurin (27), Haliburton (22), and Siakam (21) all played significant roles in Wednesday’s NBA Finals game three triumph.
Tyrese Haliburton stuck to his promise with the Pacers’ fans ahead of Game 3
Concern swiftly swept social media as a video surfaced showing Haliburton limping after the Pacers’ 123-107 Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fans and commentators went into a frenzy with suspicion after seeing Indiana’s franchise hero limp off stage. However, the Pacers’ star quickly cleared the air regarding his injury ahead of a crucial Game 3.
I’m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. I feel fine and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.
Tyrese Haliburton said
Tyrese Haliburton on his noticeable limp after G2: “I'm fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I'll leave it at that. I don't think there's anything more to elaborate. I feel fine and I'll be ready to go for Game 3.”
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 10, 2025
It’s safe to say that Haliburton stuck to his promise, being available for Game 3 on home turf. Not only was he just available, but he also stood out on his side in Game 3, clinching an important win. Not only is Haliburton physically accessible, but he is also psychologically focused. He’s analyzing the film, watching edits, and being aware of the risks. He isn’t running from the biggest stage of his life—his first Finals participation.
Tyrese Haliburton makes rare NBA Playoff history after his Game 3 victory
On Wednesday, Haliburton scored 22 points, added 11 assists, and pulled down nine rebounds in yet another outstanding performance. He made NBA postseason history with this particular performance. According to Greg Harvey of Opta STATS, Haliburton is currently the first player in history to record nine or more games with ten or more assists and two or more made threes in a single postseason run.
The @Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton has his 9th game in the 2025 playoffs with at least 10 assists and two made threes.
— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) June 12, 2025
No other player in NBA HISTORY has done that 9+ times in a single playoff run. pic.twitter.com/P2LOeISeBg
The 25-year-old leads the NBA in assists per game throughout the NBA playoffs with 9.4, demonstrating his ability to create plays. He has been facilitating the Pacers’ offense and providing his teammates with excellent looks at the basket in addition to making clutch baskets.
Aside from this, Caitlin Clark, the WNBA star, was also present to support the Indiana Pacers in Game 3. The Pacers have won every game they have played so far while she has been there, proving to be a lucky charm. The Pacers have a stellar 8-0 Record while Clark is in the arena.
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