As the Indiana Pacers face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, the spotlight is on Tyrese Haliburton, who needs to enhance his game for the team to have a chance at claiming the championship. Despite hitting a game-winning shot in Game 1, Haliburton's overall performance has been below expectations, averaging just 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in the first two games of the series.

In Game 2, which resulted in a 123-107 loss for the Pacers, Haliburton struggled offensively, scoring only five points through the first three quarters and showcasing a worrying increase in turnovers—averaging 4.0 compared to 1.6 during the regular season. His inability to drive into the paint effectively has been a significant factor, as he has averaged fewer than nine drives per game against a strong Thunder defense that excels at preventing penetration.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the challenge posed by Oklahoma City’s defensive capabilities, emphasizing the need for the team to find ways to penetrate the paint. Haliburton himself noted the importance of improving early in games and creating better offensive opportunities, stating, “Our offense is built from the inside out, and we have to do a better job getting downhill.”

If the Pacers are to turn the series around and contend for the title, Haliburton must regain his form from earlier playoff rounds, where he averaged 17.3 potential assists and played a pivotal role in offensive creation. The next games will be critical not only for Haliburton's individual performance but also for the Pacers' chances to secure their first championship.