Tyrese Haliburton’s performance in Game 3 of the Indiana Pacers’ latest playoff series was a masterclass in how a player can influence a game without dominating the box score. Although he only attempted eight shots during the contest, his presence and decision-making on the floor continued to shape the outcome and showcased why he has quickly become one of the league’s premier young stars. The Pacers ultimately suffered a defeat in this game, which adds a layer of frustration for fans who know how impactful Haliburton can be when he’s at his aggressive best. Still, his style of play is not solely defined by shot attempts or points scored, but by the subtler aspects of basketball that often go unnoticed in the final stat sheet.
From the opening tip, Haliburton was reading the defense and orchestrating the Pacers’ offense with his usual poise and composure. He is a point guard who thrives on getting his teammates involved, often prioritizing creating opportunities for others over forcing his own shot. In Game 3, this approach was on full display. While his eight shot attempts might make it seem like he was less aggressive, the truth is that Haliburton was simply taking what the defense gave him, which at times involved drawing defenders and finding the open man. His ability to manipulate defenses with his eyes and ball-handling created spacing for players like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner, who were able to get quality looks as a result of his playmaking.
What stands out most about Haliburton’s game is his basketball IQ. He has a remarkable ability to control the pace of play, knowing when to push the ball in transition and when to slow things down to get the Pacers into their half-court sets. In Game 3, the opposing defense made it clear that they were going to try to take away his scoring opportunities, trapping him on pick-and-rolls and forcing him to give up the ball early. Rather than forcing the issue and taking contested shots, Haliburton leaned into his role as a facilitator, racking up assists and hockey assists that don’t always show up in the box score but significantly impact the game.
Even on the defensive end, Haliburton showed his value. While not known primarily as a defensive stopper, his length and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. He was active in switching on pick-and-rolls, and his communication on defense kept the Pacers organized. Although Indiana ultimately fell short in this game, Haliburton’s effort on both ends of the court was evident. It is clear that his impact goes far beyond his scoring numbers.
One of the criticisms that Haliburton faces, particularly from those who glance at stat sheets, is that he can sometimes be too passive. Eight shot attempts in a pivotal playoff game might appear to confirm that narrative. However, it’s essential to consider the context. Haliburton’s game is built on efficiency and trust in his teammates. He has repeatedly emphasized that his primary goal is to make the right basketball play, whether that means shooting, passing, or simply moving the defense to create a better angle for someone else. In this game, the defense was collapsing on him, and he chose to distribute rather than force bad shots. That’s the mark of a mature player who understands the value of team success over individual stats.
That said, there is also a case to be made for Haliburton being more aggressive when the team needs a spark. There were moments in Game 3 when the Pacers’ offense stagnated, and it felt like they were waiting for someone to take charge. Haliburton is capable of being that player. He has the shooting range to stretch defenses and the craftiness to get to the rim, drawing fouls and creating momentum. When he takes over games with his scoring, the Pacers are a completely different team. Finding that balance between facilitating and asserting himself as a scorer is the next step in his evolution as a superstar point guard.
Another key element of Haliburton’s performance that cannot be overlooked is his leadership. At just 24 years old, he has already become the emotional and vocal leader of the Pacers. In Game 3, even as his shots were limited, he continued to encourage his teammates, directing traffic on offense and motivating them after defensive lapses. Leadership in the NBA is often measured by more than just stats—it’s about setting a tone, maintaining composure under pressure, and making those around you better. Haliburton excels in all of these areas.
His ability to create for others is one of the primary reasons why the Pacers have exceeded expectations this season. The chemistry he has built with his teammates is evident on the court, with players like Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith benefiting from his unselfishness. Haliburton’s court vision allows him to see plays before they develop, often threading passes through tight windows that leave defenders scrambling. In Game 3, even though the Pacers struggled offensively, Haliburton’s passing continued to generate open looks—they simply missed shots they would typically make.
The defeat in Game 3 raises some concerns for Indiana. As the series progresses, opponents are likely to keep targeting Haliburton, trying to force the ball out of his hands. The Pacers will need to adjust, and part of that adjustment may involve Haliburton being more willing to attack early in possessions rather than waiting for the perfect pass to open up. When he’s in attack mode, defenses are forced to collapse, which in turn makes his playmaking even more dangerous. Eight shot attempts might be too few for a player of his caliber, especially when he’s capable of putting up 20+ points while still dishing out double-digit assists.
Looking back at Haliburton’s season, it’s clear that he is the engine that drives this Pacers team. He earned All-Star recognition for his combination of scoring efficiency, passing brilliance, and leadership. His style of play has been compared to some of the great pass-first point guards of the past, like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd, but with a modern twist—he’s also a dangerous three-point shooter and can create off the dribble when necessary. Game 3 might not have been his most aggressive outing, but it was still a reminder of how many ways he can impact a game without necessarily lighting up the scoreboard.
For Pacers fans, the hope is that Haliburton will come out in Game 4 with a renewed sense of urgency. He has the ability to change the dynamic of a series with his play, and when he combines his unselfishness with an aggressive scoring mindset, Indiana becomes a much tougher team to beat. His ability to read the flow of a game is one of his greatest strengths, but the Pacers may need him to impose his will a bit more if they want to avoid falling deeper into a hole.
Haliburton’s performance in Game 3 also highlights a broader conversation in today’s NBA about what it means to be impactful. Too often, a player’s value is measured by points scored, but basketball is a game of nuance. A well-timed pass, a smart rotation on defense, or the ability to control the tempo of a game can be just as valuable as a 30-point night. Haliburton embodies this philosophy, and it’s part of why coaches and teammates trust him so much. Even in a loss, his fingerprints are all over the game.
The Pacers will undoubtedly review the film and make adjustments, and Haliburton will likely look for opportunities to be more aggressive. However, there is no questioning his importance to this team. Without him, their offense would lack structure, creativity, and flow. His ability to elevate the play of those around him makes him one of the most valuable young players in the league.
In the end, Game 3 will be remembered as a missed opportunity for the Pacers, but it also serves as a learning moment for both Haliburton and the team as a whole. As he continues to grow in his role as the franchise cornerstone, finding the right blend of scoring and playmaking will be crucial. Eight shots might not always be enough, but the way Haliburton impacted the game without forcing the issue is a testament to his basketball intelligence and unselfish nature. The Pacers may have lost the battle in Game 3, but with Haliburton leading the
