Tyrese Haliburton has learned to embrace the noise. This postseason, the noise has been especially loud and personal. Voted “Most Overrated Player” in The Athletic’s annual anonymous NBA player poll, Haliburton was a first-time awardee of the dubious honor.
However, instead of letting the criticism from his peers settle and get under his skin, the Indiana Pacers guard has found a way to turn the narrative into fuel.
After leading the Pacers in back-to-back road wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Haliburton had a chance to directly address the “overrated” labels and chants that echoed in the stands of Cleveland’s Rocket Arena, and he did so with poise and humor.
Haliburton Had Words for the “Overrated” Chants in Cleveland
When asked about the “overrated” chants on the road, Haliburton responded, “That one was unexpected, I didn’t know we had beef. Good for them. That came out of nowhere. I think now that that’s label’s there, every time we play on the road, that’ll probably follow me until the next poll comes out, and we’ll see if I’m number one again. But for me, I just control what I can. And you know, overrate that.”
The context of Haliburton’s response makes it even better. The Indiana Pacers had a dramatic win over the Cavs in Game 2 in which Haliburton delivered one of the most efficient performances on the court — 19 points on 63% shooting, including a perfect 2-2 from beyond the arc. One of those threes? A clutch game-winner that silenced the Cleveland crowd and secured a commanding 2-0 series lead for Indiana.
Haliburton’s performance is a testament to his mentality of steel and elite playmaking skills. Even when facing the Eastern Conference’s best in the Cavaliers, he has continued to lead by example and deliver when it counts, setting the tone for a young and gritty Pacers squad.
The true point guard playstyle in Haliburton’s game has been so critical down the stretch for Indiana and as the Pacers look to truly solidify an underdog success story in this series by taking down the Cleveland Cavaliers.
READ: Tyrese Haliburton Dismisses Overrated Tag With Apt 2-Word Message After Epic Round 1 Victory
If anything, the “overrated” label has fueled Haliburton and his desire to prove himself. His postseason performances against the Bucks and now the Cavs have been anything but “overrated.” Indiana now heads home with all the momentum and wind in their sails, and Haliburton with the perfect chance to put Cleveland’s chants behind him for good.
