The Pacers made history in Indiana, and it’s all thanks to the brilliance of Tyrese Haliburton.
The Indiana Pacers are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, after a commanding (125-108) win over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Haliburton was sensational, leading the way with 21 points and 13 assists. But beyond the win and the Finals ticket, it’s Haliburton’s latest statistical achievement that’s shaking the basketball world.
Tyrese Haliburton Gets a New Stat Achievement
With his performance throughout the series, Haliburton has now recorded 63 total assists, which is the most in a Conference Finals series win since Magic Johnson’s legendary run in 1991.
Tyrese Haliburton had 63 AST this series.
That’s the most assists in a Conference Finals series win since Magic Johnson in 1991. pic.twitter.com/foLZkCCf3i
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) June 1, 2025
Back in 1991, Johnson dished out 76 assists over six games as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) in the Western Conference Finals.
That performance helped the Lakers secure a trip to the NBA Finals. They eventually fell to the Chicago Bulls 4-1, led by a rising Michael Jordan. Now, 34 years later, Haliburton has etched his name alongside Johnson in the record books, which is a testament to his playmaking genius and floor leadership.
Game 6 was the defining moment of the series for Indiana. The Pacers grabbed control early and never looked back. They held a four-point lead at halftime and then completely pulled away in the second half. Their largest lead came late in the fourth quarter when they were up by 21 points. The Knicks struggled to keep pace as the Pacers’ ball movement, tempo and energy overwhelmed them on both ends of the floor.
Moreover, throughout this postseason, Haliburton has been nothing short of a superpower. In 16 playoff games, he’s averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.
Whether it’s initiating offense, hitting clutch shots, or making smart decisions in transition, Haliburton has taken complete command of the Pacers’ system and elevated the franchise to its biggest stage in decades.
Haliburton Thought He Won the Larry Bird Trophy
During the post-game celebrations, Haliburton believed he had also claimed the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy—only to find out he was mistaken.
As the team gathered on the court for the trophy presentation, “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson stepped out with Reggie Miller to announce the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
Haliburton, who was brimming with confidence, flashed peace signs to the crowd and even moved toward the center of attention, likely expecting to hear his name called.
However, the moment quickly shifted when Johnson revealed that the MVP honor belonged to Pascal Siakam.
Tyrese Haliburton thought that Larry Bird ECF MVP trophy was his🤣#NBA #Pacers pic.twitter.com/59eF189mNI
— Caleb Nixon (@calebnixonmedia) June 1, 2025
Still, Siakam’s impact was undeniable. Over the postseason, he averaged 21.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The Pacers now turn their focus to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, starting June 5.
