INDIANAPOLIS—In a dramatic late-game scenario, Tyrese Haliburton described his stunning shot in the final seconds against the Milwaukee Bucks as akin to “a football play.” With the Indiana Pacers requiring a three-pointer to tie the game, Haliburton executed flawlessly. He sprinted to catch an inbound pass handed off to him along the left sideline and, while leaning out of bounds, he launched a 3-point shot over the towering Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In a remarkable twist, Haliburton drew a foul on the play, sinking the subsequent free throw to complete an extraordinary four-point play with just 3.4 seconds of play remaining. This late-game heroics by Haliburton was crucial for the Pacers, who narrowly secured a 115-114 victory as Antetokounmpo’s attempt at a three-pointer failed to connect at the buzzer.
“It’s like a football play,” remarked Haliburton, highlighting his teammates’ strategic crossover maneuvers during the play. “It was amazing to see everything come together. The first time we ran this play during training camp two years ago, I made the shot in a similar fashion, but haven’t received the opportunity since. To be honest, it’s not typically my favorite play to run.”
Haliburton admitted that stepping out of bounds was not a concern for him during the shot. “I’ve practiced that shot enough times to confidently know my position on the court,” Haliburton explained. “It comes down to getting the timing right and rising to the occasion, which I did this time. I jumped higher than usual, and it went in.”
Praise was given to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and his staff’s proficiency in drawing up successful plays. Carlisle credited assistant Jenny Boucek for designing the play and assistant Mike Weinar for implementing adjustments. “An amazing sequence of events took place,” Carlisle stated. “What a moment, especially with Reggie (Miller) in attendance. People will certainly be talking about Tyrese’s shot for many years.”
Reggie Miller, a Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the Pacers, was present as a commentator for the evening. “Reggie’s name is synonymous with iconic moments in this building,” Haliburton said. “I’m just trying to create my own legacy.”
Haliburton had been absent in the previous three games due to a hip injury, during which the Pacers suffered losses. His return was pivotal in bringing Indiana level with fourth-place Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference standings. He contributed 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting and 10 assists.
“This is the stuff of dreams,” Haliburton shared. “I’m grateful my teammates placed their trust in me despite making a couple of questionable decisions down the stretch. I missed a three-pointer over Brook (Lopez) and was called for traveling—which was debatable.”
Teammate Pascal Siakam, who led the team with 25 points and 12 rebounds, marveled at Haliburton’s ability. “From where I was standing, it seemed like an impossible angle to make, especially over someone like Giannis,” Siakam remarked. “I doubt he even had a clear view.”
