Here’s a previously unbelievable sentence that has turned credible in the last 18 months: the Indiana Pacers are competing in the NBA Finals for only the second time in history, largely thanks to Tyrese Haliburton.

Although his teammate Pascal Siakam won the Eastern Conference MVP, it’s Haliburton who’s delivered the most memorable moments, particularly against the Knicks. His iconic shot in Game 1 has already become part of playoff lore. Haliburton’s Game 4 performance, featuring 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, is a testament to his unique talent, as he remains the only player in NBA history to achieve such a stat line in a playoff game.

Reflecting on his college days, Haliburton was once a source of concern, worrying about being sidelined in his first year at Iowa State. Despite early glimpses of talent during his college career from 2018-20, he was not viewed as a future top-tier player. Fast forward to now, he’s averaging impressive figures in the current playoffs.

His transformation from a skinny recruit to a pivotal NBA player symbolizes his growth and ability to elevate not only his game but also his team’s prospects. With the Pacers on the brink of their greatest achievements, Haliburton’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience and excellence in basketball.