INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling ending against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a play reminiscent of a football strategy, complete with his own successful extra point. As the Indiana Pacers chased a crucial 3-pointer with seconds left on the clock, Haliburton received an inbound pass in motion along the left sideline. Rising above the towering Giannis Antetokounmpo and leaning out of bounds, he nailed the 3-point shot while also drawing a foul.
Adding to the drama, Haliburton sank the subsequent free throw, culminating in an unexpected four-point play with just 3.4 seconds remaining. This sequence allowed the Pacers to edge out the Bucks with a final score of 115-114 after Antetokounmpo’s desperate 3-point attempt missed as time expired.
Haliburton, discussing the play, compared it to football, acknowledging his teammates’ effective execution of crossing routes to facilitate the play. Although this particular play was rarely used in games, its success in a practice two years prior was a testament to the preparation that made it possible. Despite an awkward position on the court, Haliburton expressed confidence in his awareness of the boundaries, stating, “I’ve shot that shot enough to know where I am on the court.”
The orchestrators of this exciting sequence were head coach Rick Carlisle and his diligent team, with assistant Jenny Boucek concocting the play and Mike Weinar fine-tuning it. Carlisle praised the remarkable sequence, noting how moments like these become memorable, especially with former Pacers legend Reggie Miller in attendance as a commentator.
Having recovered from a recent hip injury that saw him sidelined for three games, Haliburton’s return was instrumental for the Pacers. His presence helped the team level up with Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference standings, thanks to his 14 points and 10 assists.
For Haliburton, this dramatic moment encapsulated a dream scenario. Despite acknowledging a few mishaps earlier, he was grateful for the trust his teammates placed in him. Fellow teammate Pascal Siakam, who contributed significantly with 25 points and 12 rebounds, marveled at Haliburton’s achievement, highlighting the difficulty of shooting over an opponent like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The victory for the Pacers, fueled by Haliburton’s clutch performance, represents a defining moment in their pursuit to remain competitive within the conference. As the story of this extraordinary finish circulates, it seizes its place in the annals of the sport, echoing the thrilling performances etched into the history of the Indiana Pacers.
