Often the source of celebration, given his nearly-unparalleled IQ and on-court memory, Tyrese Haliburton perhaps found it ironic that during October 27, 2024’s biggest moment, the requirement called for a bit of amnesia. Slightly off-rhythm to begin 2024-25’s just-beginning season, Haliburton puts the mini-slump in the back of his mind, upon surveying the floor with the Indiana Pacers trailing by three in the final 10 seconds. Recognizing the need for something deceptive, given Kelly Oubre Jr.’s size advantage, Haliburton uses a ghost screen, followed by a double-stepback and pump fake — fittingly leaving both himself and his opponent unbalanced — before elevating into an off-balanced, double-pump triple, saving the game. All told, Haliburton’s heroic trifecta helped Indiana force overtime, though the Philadelphia 76ers would eventually command the last laugh in a resilient four-point road win. Beginning to ease into his groove individually, though, Haliburton proved effective with 22 points (on 8-of-18 shooting), alongside four rebounds, two assists, and four 3-pointers. · Oct 27, 2024