The Indiana Pacers had just one Rising Star on their team in Chris Duarte before the NBA trade deadline took place. Now, they have two with the addition of Tyrese Haliburton.
With an unfortunately timed injury to Chris Duarte before the All-Star break, Tyrese Haliburton will be the only player to represent the Indiana Pacers this season.
Haliburton was a participant in two events during All-Star weekend. The Rising Stars Challenge with head coach Isaiah Thomas, and a new addition to the break, the Clutch Challenge.
Haliburton Started his day in the Rising Stars game, where his team Isaiah would defeat team Worthy in the first round before advancing to the finals.
He scored just two points in his first game but managed 4 rebounds and 7 assists as well. Team Isaiah won by free throws to get to the target score of 50 points.
In the final round, the two teams faced a score of just 25 points instead of the previous 50. Haliburton’s team Isaiah faced Cade Cuningham’s team Barry in which team Barry would claim victory in the final round.
Haliburton scored 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the final game.
"Haliburton made a few comments after the game of how the NBA could improve the format, “They need to revise it next year — no free throws — you need to check up every time. That would be ideal so we could get a real bucket for the game."
Up next for Haliburton was the Clutch Challenge, a shooting game where three teams of two shoot from different spots on the floor that were made in clutch situations in NBA history.
Haliburton was paired with Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies who is shooting just over 42% from behind the arc this season.
Tyrese Haliburton and Desmond Bane finish in under 40 seconds to win the #CloroxClutch Challenge! pic.twitter.com/cuTNrmnciC
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2022
The two won the challenge with ease, with Haliburton not missing any of his four shot attempts. Desmond Bane sent them home with a win after hitting the replica logo three-point shot from Damian Lillard.
"“It was a lot of fun, a lot of fun to see guys that I have grown up with and been playing against for the majority of my life. Good to get out there with those guys and unwind a little bit”, Haliburton said after the game."
He now has five days off before the Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 25th.