Are We All Living in Tyrese Haliburton's World?

The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant for about 47 minutes of last night's game one of the 2025 NBA Finals. The only problem? An NBA basketball game is 48 minutes. 

Since 1971, teams were 0-182 when trailing by 9+ points in the final three minutes of an NBA Finals game. Until last night. Statistically almost impossible, the Indiana Pacers somehow managed to take game one on Tyrese Haliburton's jumper with a second to play. 

Luck? Destiny? You can call it what you want to. 

What's not in question is Tyrese Haliburton's meteoric rise to superstardom. Today, we take a look at how Tyrese stole the spotlight. 

Early Life

​Born on February 29, 2000, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Tyrese John Haliburton's basketball journey began in the heartland of America. Growing up in an athletic family--his father John played college basketball at UW-Whitewater—Haliburton was exposed to the fundamentals of the game from an early age. This foundation would prove crucial in developing the basketball IQ that has become his calling card.

At Oshkosh North High School, Haliburton quickly established himself as a standout performer. Despite being relatively undersized for his position early in his high school career, he compensated with exceptional passing ability and basketball intelligence. His unique shooting form, characterized by an unconventional release point that starts from the left side of his body, initially drew skepticism from coaches and scouts. However, the results spoke for themselves as Haliburton consistently knocked down shots from all areas of the court.
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During his senior season, Haliburton averaged 22.9 points per game while leading Oshkosh North to Division One state title. His 31 points in the championship game were highlighted by his perfect 18 out of 18 from the free throw line. Following the conclusion of the season, Haliburton was named Wisconsin's Gatorade Player of the Year.

Iowa State

Tyrese Haliburton at Iowa State

Haliburton's recruitment to Iowa State University marked the beginning of his rise to national prominence. Under head coach Steve Prohm, he found a system that perfectly suited his skill set and allowed him to flourish as both a scorer and facilitator.

His freshman season in 2018-19 saw Haliburton make an immediate impact for the Cyclones. Starting 34 games, he averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting an impressive 42.6% from three-point range. His mature approach to the game and ability to make smart decisions with the basketball impressed coaches and teammates alike.

His sophomore campaign proved to be his coming out party. Elevating his game significantly, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. His shooting efficiency improved across the board, as he connected on 41.9% of his three-point attempts and 50.4% of his field goals overall. Perhaps most impressively, he maintained an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3:1, demonstrating remarkable ball security for a player his age.
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Unfortunately, a broken wrist cut his season short. However, with second team All Big 12 accolades and scouts noting his continued improvement, Haliburton declared for the NBA Draft at the conclusion of the season. 

NBA Draft and Early Pro Career

Despite some concerns about his unconventional shooting form and questions about his athleticism, his basketball IQ, shooting efficiency, and leadership qualities made him an attractive prospect for NBA teams.

The Sacramento Kings selected Haliburton with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, recognizing his potential to develop into a franchise point guard. His rookie season in Sacramento exceeded expectations, as he quickly adapted to the professional level and established himself as one of the most promising young players in the league.
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Averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during his rookie campaign, Haliburton earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His shooting remained consistent at the professional level, connecting on 40.9% of his three-point attempts and demonstrating the same court vision and decision-making that made him successful in college.

The Trade to Indiana

Early Days as a Pacer

The trajectory of Haliburton's career took a significant turn during the 2021-22 season when the Sacramento Kings traded him to the Indiana Pacers as part of a deadline deal that sent Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento. This trade would prove to be a pivotal moment for both Haliburton's individual development and the Pacers' organizational direction.

Upon arriving in Indiana, Haliburton immediately embraced his role as the team's primary floor general and offensive catalyst. The Pacers, recognizing his potential, built their system around his unique skill set and leadership abilities. This decision paid immediate dividends as Haliburton's production and influence on winning increased dramatically.
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In his first full season with Indiana (2022-23), Haliburton emerged as one of the league's premier point guards. He averaged 20.7 points and 10.9 assists per game, becoming just the sixth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists while shooting 40% or better from three-point range. His exceptional play earned him his first NBA All-Star selection, a testament to his rapid ascension among the league's elite players.

Playing Style and Unique Attributes

What sets Haliburton apart from other point guards is his rare combination of size, shooting ability, and court vision. Standing 6'5" with a 6'7" wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to see over defenses and make passes that smaller guards simply cannot attempt. His height also allows him to be an effective rebounder from the guard position and creates mismatches when he's matched up against smaller defenders.

His shooting mechanics, while unconventional, have proven to be remarkably effective. The left-side release point that initially drew criticism has become a strength, as it creates a unique angle that makes his shot difficult to contest. His quick release and deep range have made him a constant threat from beyond the arc, forcing defenses to extend their coverage and creating additional space for his teammates.
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Perhaps most impressively, Haliburton's basketball IQ and feel for the game are exceptional for a player his age. He consistently makes the right read, whether it's finding an open teammate, taking an efficient shot, or making the extra pass to create an even better scoring opportunity. His ability to control the pace of the game and dictate terms to opposing defenses has made him one of the most impactful players in the league.

International Experience and Team USA

​Haliburton's rise to prominence has also included significant international experience. He was selected to represent Team USA in various competitions, showcasing his abilities on the global stage and gaining valuable experience playing alongside and against the world's best players. While he didn't play a lot, the fact that he was given a roster spot on the 2024 Olympic gold-medal team speaks volumes. 
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His international experience has contributed to his continued development, exposing him to different styles of play and helping him refine his understanding of the game. The opportunity to learn from veteran players and compete at the highest level internationally has been invaluable for his growth as both a player and leader.

Future Outlook

At just 25 years old, Haliburton's career is still in its early stages, but the foundation he has established suggests a bright future ahead. His combination of individual excellence and team impact positions him as a potential perennial All-Star and franchise cornerstone for years to come.

The Indiana Pacers have committed to building around Haliburton long-term, recognizing his unique abilities and leadership qualities as the foundation for sustained success. His continued development and the team's strategic roster construction around his skill set suggest that the best is yet to come for both player and franchise.

As the NBA continues to evolve toward a more skill-based, pace-and-space style of play, Haliburton's profile as a tall, skilled point guard who can shoot, pass, and lead represents the archetype of the modern floor general. His success serves as inspiration for young players and demonstrates that basketball IQ, work ethic, and leadership can overcome physical limitations and unconventional attributes.
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Tyrese Haliburton's journey from small-town Wisconsin to NBA stardom exemplifies the power of perseverance, basketball intelligence, and unwavering commitment to team success. As he continues to develop and lead the Indiana Pacers toward their championship aspirations, his impact on the game extends far beyond individual statistics, representing a new generation of players who prioritize winning above all else.