Tyrese Haliburton flexed his muscles in the first two games of his Indiana Pacers’ Eastern Conference semifinal against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he ran away in Game 3.
The Pacers lost 126-104 to the Cavs in Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Friday night. Haliburton went 2/8 for 4 points in 30 minutes and had a -20 on the stat sheet. His Pacers fell behind by 21 points at halftime and never recovered.
After the game, Haliburton did not speak with the media and was nowhere to be found. He received some criticism for ducking out on his media responsibilities.
Tyrese Haliburton not talking to media after this Game 3 stinker is certainly a decision. You played like 💩, own up to it. Can't be the face of a franchise and then hide, IMO.
— Matt Glenesk (@MattGlenesk) May 10, 2025
The Pacers’ public relations team planned to make Haliburton available to talk with the media on Saturday.
#Pacers PR did not make Tyrese Haliburton available to the media tonight. He’ll talk tomorrow, per PR.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 10, 2025
Haliburton scored a playoff career-low four points in tonight’s 22-point loss to the Cavs.
This was Haliburton’s first time losing a playoff game at home. His four-point dud was also his worst playoff point total in a game by far.
It’s understandable why Haliburton would have been disappointed and upset after his bad game. But part of being the face of a team is answering questions from the media whether your team wins or loses.
Haliburton scored 22 in a Game 1 win over the Cavs and 19 in a Game 2 victory. The Pacers are hoping his 4-point, 5-assist totals were an aberration.
