Tyrese Haliburton has been on a tear since the All-Star break and is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Through the first four games following the break, the Wisconsin native is averaging 25.8 points, 11.8 assists, and 2.5 assists. Furthermore, he is shooting 63.2% from the field and 52.6% from the three-point line.
While it is a short sample size, this is an incredibly encouraging sign for a Pacers team looking to contend. However, there is one specific stat from Haliburton's recent stretch that should get fans excited.
Tyrese Haliburton has been much more active on defense
Through his first four games after the All-Star break, Haliburton is averaging 2.5 steals. Additionally, he has recorded three steals in each of his last three games. For context, Haliburton has only had three or more steals in three consecutive games one time (December 20-26, 2021 as a member of the Sacramento Kings).
This is a very unsustainable trend for just about anybody in the NBA, especially Haliburton. However, it is encouraging regardless. He has been much more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to interrupting the passing lanes. It is not as if Haliburton is an elite defensive guard, but effort has always been one of his main problems on that side of the ball. If this stretch is any indication, Haliburton is prepared to take that next stop as a defender, which will pay dividends for himself and the team.
A lot has been said about the Pacers' improvements as a defensive unit, and rightfully so. With less than two months remaining in the regular season, they rank as the 15th-best defensive team in the NBA. Furthermore, they rank as the eighth-best defensive team in the NBA since the turn of the calendar, according to StatMuse.
The Pacers have become one of the most complete teams in the NBA, and only time will tell exactly how far this will take them. There is plenty of competition ahead of them, but the Pacers have proven that they are always ready to rise up to the occasion, especially in the playoffs.
After a conference finals run last season, the Pacers are in a good position to make another deep playoff run. And while their offense remains elite, a lot of their success is now because of what they bring to the table on defense. It will be worth it for fans to monitor this the rest of the way, because if this improved Pacers defense is legitimate, then the team is even more dangerous than anybody originally thought.