Tyrese Haliburton Makes NBA History Once Again in Pacers vs. Thunder
The Indiana Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals has been defined by stellar team play and, above all, the brilliance of Tyrese Haliburton.
In Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton not only led his team to a crucial 116-107 victory and a 2-1 series lead, but also etched his name into the NBA record books with a unique statistical achievement.
Haliburton’s historic feat
Haliburton’s Game 3 performance was another showcase of his all-around game: 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. But it was his consistency as a playmaker and shooter that set him apart.
According to Opta STATS, Haliburton became the first player in NBA history to record nine or more games with at least 10 assists and two or more made three-pointers in a single postseason.
At just 25 years old, Haliburton has emerged as the engine of Indiana’s fast-paced attack. He currently leads all players in assists per game during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, averaging 9.4 dimes per contest.
His ability to create for others while also being a threat from beyond the arc has forced opposing defenses to pick their poison, either risk leaving shooters open or allow Haliburton to attack the rim himself.
The Pacers’ offense, powered by Haliburton
Indiana’s offensive identity this postseason has revolved around Haliburton’s vision and decision-making. His knack for finding teammates in rhythm—whether it is Myles Turner rolling to the basket, Pascal Siakam operating in the mid-post, or shooters spotting up—has made the Pacers one of the most dynamic teams in the playoffs.
His three-point shooting, meanwhile, has added another layer to Indiana’s attack. By consistently knocking down multiple threes per game, Haliburton stretches the floor and opens up driving lanes, making the Pacers’ offense even harder to contain.
History in the making
With the Pacers holding a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, Haliburton’s historic postseason run has put Indiana in prime position to make franchise history. As the series shifts to Game 4, all eyes will be on Haliburton to see if he can continue his record-setting pace and lead the Pacers to the ultimate prize.
His combination of playmaking, shooting, and leadership has already set a new standard for point guard excellence in the playoffs. If Haliburton maintains this level of performance, he could soon add NBA champion—and perhaps NBA Finals MVP—to his growing list of accomplishments.