Stephen A. Smith isn’t backing down from his initial stance on Tyrese Haliburton, even after the Indiana Pacers star hit a game-winning shot in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The definition of “star” and “superstar” in the NBA is highly subjective. But Haliburton’s big moments in this postseason run have convinced respected voices like former NBA star Dwyane Wade that there’s no doubt the Pacers guard has reached superstar status.
Smith, however, still isn’t sold—and he made that clear during a recent episode of “First Take.”
Haliburton Has Been Perfect in the Final 15 Seconds This Postseason
It’s hard to say exactly where Haliburton ranks among the NBA’s elite, especially since his scoring numbers aren’t as high as top-tier players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Still, his clutch stats have been undeniable. He also is consistently one of the league leaders in assists per game. While his numbers dipped slightly this season, he’s averaged 9.2 or more assists per game in each of the last four seasons.
Haliburton has made all five of his shot attempts with under 15 seconds left in regulation or overtime during the 2025 playoffs—more than any other player. But Smith still wasn’t ready to give him the superstar title, defending his position on a recent episode of “First Take.”
“We know what he is doing. We know what he is doing in clutch moments,” Smith said. “I’m saying to y’all, I watched the entire 48 minutes…When I judge and I think about a superstar, I’m thinking about the number one option on a night-in, night-out basis that’s having to carry a certain load that others don’t have to carry.”
.@stephenasmith still isn’t convinced Tyrese Haliburton is a “superstar.” pic.twitter.com/Rs27O03113
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 6, 2025
Smith did give Haliburton credit for stepping up in big moments and labeled him a rising star. But he also pointed out that other Pacers players carry some of the offensive burden as well, which made him hesitant to call Haliburton the kind of superstar who dominates every night.
That said, not everyone agrees. While Haliburton didn’t put up big numbers for most of Game 1, he delivered when it mattered most—and that’s what fans remember.
Now, the question is whether Haliburton and the Pacers can keep their momentum and win three more games. If Haliburton continues to lead and captures a Finals MVP award, it’ll be hard to argue that he isn’t among the best in the league.
