Absurd no-look assist by Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton was pure magic
By Joe Lyon
![Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b084504c61eb632fdedb86dd4439938650696c1bd2a384d67af518c928a5ab26.jpg)
1. Behind the back pick and roll with Turner
One thing that has certainly impacted the success on the floor this season is Myle Turner’s increase physicality towards the rim. On this play, Turner cuts hard which is a good thing. What sells the play is that Haliburton drives deep into the paint prior to passing off the ball.
Tyrese Haliburton hit ‘em with the razzle-dazzle tonight.✨
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 26, 2023
15 PTS
14 AST pic.twitter.com/NLIZY69KTI
By driving so deep into the paint, Haliburton is essentially able to freeze his defender into having to make a choice quickly. The behind-the-back is then more than just razzle dazzle, but a necessary component given how close to the rim Haliburton goes to sell the layup.
2. The no-look entry pass to Turner
Another solid play was a no-look pass from Haliburton to Turner in the 3rd quarter. Rather than driving hard towards the bucket Haliburton goes wide leaving the paint open. Turner again cuts hard towards the basket.
Tyrese Haliburton legitimately puts on a playmaking masterclass every time he steps onto a basketball court
— AKRiley (@AKRileyy5) February 26, 2023
This is art pic.twitter.com/E4OrOsXqU8
Because Tyrese goes wide, the Magic have no choice but to protect the 3 point line as it often is the place the ball is going off the wide pick and roll. However, Haliburton sells the wide pass into the paint with a no-look pass. Pure magic.