Two years ago, Tyrese Haliburton displayed one of the most impressive showings of clutch shooting we've ever seen. While he and the Indiana Pacers ran through the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks on the way to the Finals, his brightest moments came against the New York Knicks.
A game-tying buzzer-beater in Game 1. A 32-point, 15-assist triple-double in Game 4. A blowout close-out Game 6 at home.
Truly an immense performance for the Pacers' superstar ended with the Knicks at home and Indiana in the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. Unfortunately, we know where it went from there. Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7, the Pacers lost the Finals, and the Knicks would walk through the playoffs one year later while the Pacers struggled through a gap year.
Now, just a few weeks after the Knicks took over the NBA, Haliburton reminded New York's star Jalen Brunson that the rivalry is still alive and well in Madison Square Garden, or in his own words:
"You can't beat me... see you in a couple of weeks."
Hidden information in Haliburton's declaration
While it may not be the most obvious part of Haliburton's callout, it should certainly be noted that a "couple of weeks" time frame would mean that Tyrese is starting on opening night. This is far, far better than the presumed return of mid-to-late December.
Considering how poorly Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's return from an Achilles tear went, one he suffered at a similar time to Haliburton, waiting a little longer seems like a smart decision.
Still, it is worrying to know that the pressure of running the whole team will fall squarely on Haliburton's shoulders immediately as he returns to the court. Between Hali, Tatum, and Damian Lillard, we will likely get three different return timelines on display all at once.
The Pacers do not have a backup plan if Tyrese is not the player he was just over one full year ago.
Either it works, or this era of Pacers basketball goes up in flames.
The rivalry remains
Haliburton's Pacers have faced Brunson's Knicks 13 times in the playoffs. Across those games, the Pacers have the advantage. At 8-5, Indiana is by no means New York's kryptonite, but they are certainly more comfortable than any of New York's opponents this year.
Between the play-in Atlanta Hawks, the overmatched Philadelphia 76ers, and whatever you want to call the James Harden Cavaliers, it's safe to say that the Knicks did not face much competition in the Eastern Conference.
With the Pacers coming back, now sporting an upgraded center spot from a trade that looks better by the day, it's safe to say the path is far more difficult.
If Haliburton's health can be trusted, the East may come down to the Knicks and Pacers, with some credit given to the Sixers and their revamped, star-studded starting lineup.
The storylines in another Indy-NYC showdown are massive. Historical rehashes of Reggie Miller and John Starks should ring loud. Memories shared by Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby as championship teammates on the Toronto Raptors will raise tempers. Haliburton and Brunson will battle for the title of best point guard all over again.
Those next few weeks can't come soon enough.
Add us as a preferred source on Google