For all of the unique obstacles and challenges that he’s been introduced to under the bright lights of his first-ever trek through the postseason, Tyrese Haliburton has discovered one environment that almost always brings out his best: the ball in his hands, and the play clock winding down. One quarter removed from burying a 35-foot triple that forced the game into a halftime standstill, the All-Star floor general opts for an encore, taking an inbounds pass with Jaylen Brown attached to his shot pocket and only two seconds to settle on a decision. Using his shoulder to carve out an inkling of space, Haliburton elevates, double-clutching a shot high, and perfectly off the glass for a 28-foot banker. The bucket reinvigorated Indiana’s hope, helping trim the Boston Celtics’ 13-point lead to just one heading into the final frame. In a game that would ultimately be defined by acts of shot-making brilliance before the buzzer, the Pacers would come up agonizingly short in Game One, though not without a valiant showing from their franchise player. Built for the spotlight, Haliburton contributed 25 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, one block, and six triples on May 21, 2024. · May 22, 2024