Tyrese Haliburton failed to silence his critics on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton did not convert on a single field goal attempt in the Indiana Pacers’ 120-109 loss at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. He shot 0/6 from the field and 0/4 from three-point range, scoring all four of his points from the free throw line. Haliburton was a -13 during his 34 minutes on the floor.
While Haliburton did tally seven rebounds and six assists, several fans criticized him for not stepping up when Indiana needed him most. Many claimed that Game 5 was clear evidence that Tyrese is not a superstar despite his postseason heroics.
Haliburton goes ghost too often to be a superstar
— ً (@JahGoated) June 17, 2025
I’m sorry but never call Tyrese Haliburton a “superstar” ever again.
— Hana 🏀 (@HanaHoops) June 17, 2025
Nights like tonight is why i cant put Haliburton is superstar convos
— Bask (@baskgod) June 17, 2025
The Pacers star played through a calf injury that forced him to leave the game briefly during the second quarter. While he was able to return and play through the pain, the issue hampered his ability to get past defenders.
Game 5 injury aside, the debate regarding Haliburton’s superstar status is complex. A big part of what makes a player a superstar is consistency. While most NBA players can carry their team on a good night, superstars do it every game.
Despite experiencing the highest of highs this postseason, Haliburton has had several duds scattered throughout the playoffs. He scored eight points on seven shots in a Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. He also finished with four points across 30 minutes in Game 3 of the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On the other hand, Haliburton’s impact goes beyond the scoring column. He’s a rare pass-first playmaker in a league that’s seen the pure point guard archetype nearly extinct. The breakneck pace he plays with sets the tone for a Pacers team that’s made the Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. The calf issue took some of his burst away in Game 5.
No star in the 2025 NBA Playoffs has received more shine than Haliburton. But his place as a true superstar remains up for debate.
