Tyrese Haliburton is working via the worst stoop of his profession. The 2-time All-Star has struggled to duplicate the efficiency degree he displayed final season because the Indiana Pacers made the Jap Convention Finals.
On Thursday, the Pacers misplaced to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, 120-114. Haliburton’s struggles had been evident, as he scored 4 factors on six pictures. Nevertheless, he did dish out eight assists, a reminder that his playmaking is the one space that hasn’t regressed this season.
Talking to the media after the sport, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle famous that Haliburton was guarded by Lu Dort, among the finest defenders within the NBA.
“Ty solely ended up with 4 factors and 6 pictures, however they dedicated Lu Dort to him,” Carlisle stated. “And Lu Dort is nearly as good as a defender as there’s on this league.”
There is no denying that Dort is an elite defender. Nevertheless, Haliburton is likely one of the greatest guards within the NBA. A participant of his degree should not be getting shackled so persistently, no matter who’s guarding him. As a substitute, Haliburton should discover methods to create separation and get his shot off. The Pacers want him to be a scoring risk on each possession.
Each participant has robust spells. Haliburton is working via the extra defensive consideration he attracts nightly. Finally, he wants to determine the best way to depart his imprint on video games. Solely then can the Pacers take the required steps ahead and show they will contend within the Jap Convention.
Haliburton is simply too good to wrestle for for much longer. Nonetheless, his present regression is a part of the rising pains for a participant ascending to stardom. Sadly for the Pacers, which means their possibilities of making a push this season will undergo. With out All-Star Haliburton, Carlisle’s workforce would not have sufficient firepower to compete on the high of the East.
