‘Superstar’ Tyrese Haliburton Draws Most Viewers in ECF Since Idol LeBron James

Tyrese Haliburton has made the Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks East Finals an exciting series for basketball fans to watch.

‘Superstar’ Tyrese Haliburton Draws Most Viewers in ECF Since Idol LeBron James

Tyrese Haliburton comes close to matching LeBron James' ability to draw fans to East Finals (Image via FirstSportz)

Tyrese Haliburton has come a long way ever since some of his peers named him in an anonymous poll as the most overrated player in the NBA. The Indiana Pacers star has elevated his game to become one of this postseason’s most important players.

He was clutch in the first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he was clutch again in the second-round series against the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Both those series helped him develop the notion that he can play when the lights shine bright.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, he again brought out his leadership, late-game scoring ability, and his playmaking to help his Pacers stage comeback after comeback to take the series lead. Those exciting battles against the New York Knicks was a feast for basketball fans.

They understood that the close battles in the East were far more interesting than the one-sided games of the West Finals. That is what led 7.09 million of them to tune into Game 3 of the Knicks-Pacers game. It happened to be the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals game in a decade.

The last one was when a LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers team battled the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals. Ironic, considering Tyrese Haliburton has often labeled James as his favorite player and idol.

To draw almost the same number of viewers in an era where fans are moving away from broadcast television and onto social media is an achievement. It should be the best reply for those who believe the point guard is not a ‘superstar’.

Tyrese Haliburton reached out to WNBA legend Sue Bird for playoff advice

Last season, an injury prevented Tyrese Haliburton from making a mark in the Eastern Conference Finals. To be fair, even if he were healthy, the superior Boston Celtics would have still made it difficult for the Indiana Pacers to win.

But this time, they prepared for situations such as this. The entire Pacers team met at Pascal Siakam‘s home in Orlando to work on their game. But Haliburton wanted to become better, and he turned to the great point guards who have won titles, one of them being WNBA legend Sue Bird.

While speaking with Taylor Rooks on B/R’s podcast, she admitted that Haliburton did reach out to her. More importantly, she acknowledged that the Pacers guard has been implementing her advice in these playoffs.

She knows that the clutch plays will grab headlines. Bird also knows that he will have some ups and downs. But overall, the 4-time champion has seen an improvement, which she believes will help him down the stretch.

Tyrese Haliburton and his Pacers need to close the deal in New York

The Eastern Conference Finals are heading to Game 5. That means, as per seeding rules, it will be at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks fans still hold out hope that their team can overcome the 3-1 deficit and win the series.

Tyrese Haliburton's clutch plays have made the East Finals exciting
Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch plays have made the East Finals exciting (Image via IndyStar/X)

Therefore, Tyrese Haliburton and his Indiana Pacers will have a task on their hands. The Knicks will be motivated, and with their fans behind them, they will have an edge. But the away team cannot let this game slip away.

The Oklahoma City Thunder just booked their tickets to the NBA Finals. That means the Pacers will get fewer days of rest if they lose Game 5 or even the next one. If they are to confirm their seat in the Finals, and have as enough time as the Thunder to plan and practice, they need to win Game 5 at all costs.

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