Tyrese Haliburton Gets Live TV Confession from ESPN Host After Sleeping on Indiana Pacers

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made sure to change the mind of live TV analyst Scott Van Pelt after his game-winning basket in Game 1.

Tyrese Haliburton Gets Live TV Confession from ESPN Host After Sleeping on Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton (Image by FirstSportz)

One thing’s for sure: few expected the Indiana Pacers to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals—especially on the road. But they did just that, silencing fans, analysts, and even past and present NBA players. Leading the charge once again was Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision.

So much so that Haliburton had people who were against him come in his favor after his breathtaking shot against the Thunder during the last play of the 4th quarter. For instance, Haliburton was pleased to see Scott Van Pelt own his mistake on the Indiana Pacers and challenge others who continue to have doubts about the squad.

Van Pelt was late to the Pacers’ party but suddenly believed in them on his SportsCenter show on Thursday.

The other night on my show, I put my hand up and I said, look, I was late to the party on it.

Scott Van Pelt said

Haliburton noticed that. He expressed his gratitude to Van Pelt following the Pacers’ 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Yeah, you’re a real one for that. You’re a real one, but a lot of your counterparts won’t admit that now.

Tyrese Haliburton appreciating SVP’s remarks said

The Pacers were lacking, Van Pelt continued, .500 around Christmas, and Haliburton concurred, saying, “Yeah, we were rough.” However, he made amends for it as the season progressed. Their point guard’s clutch play has been a major factor in the Pacers’ recent success. Regarding Haliburton and the Pacers, Van Pelt has changed his mind. Everyone else ought to do the same.

Tyrese Haliburton’s wholesome reaction after winning Game 1 of the NBA Finals

The crowd was energized by Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater, which gave Indiana a 1-0 series lead. His all-around influence was demonstrated by his double-double, which included 14 points (6/13 FG, 2/7 3P), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and a +12 plus-minus in 39 minutes. Haliburton exuded happiness in his postgame interview, aptly encapsulating the moment.

Basketball is just pure fun, man…It ain’t over till its over, it ain’t over till it hits zero, so yea really proud of this group!

Tyrese Haliburton told the reporters after the game

Haliburton’s late-game wizardry continues to be the main attraction as the Pacers go for a 2-0 advantage in Game 2 on Sunday. As demonstrated by his 46.2% FG and 28.6% 3P in Game 1, he can perform well under duress, which presents a problem for OKC’s defense, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

SGA and Co. won’t let this loss slide easily and will be hoping to bounce back in Game 2. Hence, the Pacers will have to be at their best if they are to get a result against the Thunder in the upcoming Game 2.

Tyrese Haliburton credited his HC, Rick Carlisle for his smart decision-making during Game 1

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle decided to keep his one remaining timeout in his pocket after Indiana made a huge defensive stop after a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander miss. This, of course, led to Tyrese Haliburton’s insane game-winning basket, giving Pacers the important 1-0 series lead. Haliburton gave his coach credit for having faith in his team at crucial periods right after the game.

We got the stop and coach [Carlisle] trusts us in those moments to not call timeouts. He trusts me in those moments, the guys trust me and I was just trying to make a play. 

Tyrese Haliburton told ESPN

Despite trailing the Thunder by 15, the Pacers rallied from a 57-45 halftime disadvantage and outscored them by 10 in the fourth quarter. Carlisle will be happy as his side got away with a clutch win against the Thunder.

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