Every time the Indiana Pacers set foot on the court, the fans anticipate Tyrese Haliburton to drain some buzzer-beaters and game-winners. He had one against the Milwaukee Bucks and drained a three-pointer from the top in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, it looks like a fully fit Cavaliers team turned too decisive for the Pacers as Donovan Mitchell and Co. steamrolled past them. They finished the game with a scoreline of 126-104.
Even though Darius Garland had four fouls in the 1st half, the team rallied behind him and triumphed in the game.
As for Haliburton, he didn’t have a game to remember, getting guarded heavily by the Cavaliers. If the Pacers don’t get past the Cavaliers’ zone defense and grab rebounds in the next couple of games, the Cavaliers could come back to haunt them.
As for Haliburton, he hopes to have a better performance in Game 4.
Tyrese Haliburton vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game 3 Stats
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29:35 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 2/8 | 0/1 |
Haliburton vs. Cavaliers: How Did Haliburton Perform in Game 3?
Like Game 2, Haliburton started the game nonchalantly and focused on the defensive side. With the Cavaliers returning with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, they dominated the first part of the contest. They had a 23-8 start and destroyed the Pacers inside the paint.
But Haliburton got his first two points in the first quarter, at 3:21, when he drained a runner. Eventually, after the Cavaliers’ impressive lead, the Pacers clawed back like they did in this playoffs as Haliburton’s teammates got to the party.
It didn’t last long as the Cavaliers regained their advantage, and Haliburton finished the game with two points in the first half. He didn’t shoot well and looked timid about taking shots in the first half. Haliburton shot 1-6 from the field and just had three assists.
Even in the third quarter, the Pacers missed the point guard’s rebounding ability. Scoring became problematic for the Pacers as the Cavs switched between zone defense and man-to-man defense.
It forced Haliburton to go cold from the floor. He had just four points in 24:05 minutes until 2:59 in the third quarter.
It became a tough night for Haliburton as the Pacers lost the game to the Cavaliers. Haliburton and Co.’s improvement remains critical to avoid a comeback from the Cavaliers.
He finished the game with just four points, zero rebounds, and five assists in a rather disappointing display.
Tyrese Haliburton vs. Cavaliers: Head-to-Head Career Stats
If you look at Haliburton’s game, he scores in bunches. In the 2025 playoff series against the Bucks, he averaged 17.6 points and scored the game-winner in Game 5 to help the Pacers advance to the next round.
Likewise, with the team following him from the start, he’s had multiple effective games against the Cavaliers. In 15 games, he’s scored 18.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, showcasing why he’s the Pacers’ most important player.
One of his high-scoring games against the Cavaliers came on December 29, 2022, when he drained 29 points, had nine assists, and played great defense with two steals.
The Pacers depend on Haliburton to provide the spark, and he certainly did that in the first two games. He averages 20.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds.
Haliburton is an all-action player who dominated the first two games, and the Cavaliers find it hard to stop him.
Haliburton’s Last 10 games vs. the Cavaliers
- February 05, 2023 – 15 pts, 4 rebs, 11 asts
- October 28, 2023 – 21 pts, 8 rebs, 13 asts
- November 3, 2023 – 18 pts, 2 rebs, 13 asts
- March 18, 2024 – 14 pts, 6 rebs, 12 asts
- April 12, 2024 – 19 pts, 6 rebs, 12 asts
- January 12, 2025 – 2 pts, 1 rebs, 5 asts
- April 10, 2025 – 23 pts, 8 rebs, 10 asts
- May 04, 2025 – 22 pts, 3 rebs, 13 asts
- May 06, 2025 – 19 pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts
- May 09, 2025 – 4 pts, 0 rebs, 5 asts