The Indiana Pacers have been a better team than expected this season.
Even though they weren’t able to keep their foot on the gas after their impressive start to the campaign, they’re still in the mix for a spot in the Play-in tournament.
More than that, the Pacers have shown glimpses of untapped potential, going at it against legit NBA championship contenders more often than not.
That was on full display again when they faced off vs. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Notably, the Pacers made sure to spoil Doncic’s 24-year-old birthday, beating him with one of the biggest upsets of the night.
So, when one of the reporters asked coach Rick Carlisle whether he had brought anything to wish the Slovenian star happy birthday, the veteran coach jokingly said that he brought him Tyrese Haliburton.
Rick Carlisle was asked during his pregame presser if he brought anything for Luka Dončić's birthday, and he responded by saying he brought Tyrese Haliburton.@TyHaliburton22 finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the win on HIS birthday.🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/LBl1Bo3rKz
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 1, 2023
Haliburton has been on a tear all year long, earning the first All-Star selection of his promising career.
Moreover, the Iowa State product was at his finest against the Mavs’ subpar perimeter defense, torching them for 32 points, seven boards, and six dimes in the win.
Haliburton continues to prove that he’s got the whole package and could be one of the best players in the game no time from now, going toe-to-toe against two elite scorers and outplaying both of them.
More than that, his playmaking and the way he takes care of the ball make him one of the most promising PGs on Earth, so props to coach Carlisle for such a thoughtful gift.
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