After a breath-taking Game 1 victory in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton offered insight into how his team continues to defy expectations, and why they never stop believing, even when the odds are stacked against them.
During the postgame press conference, Haliburton addressed what many were calling an improbable win. T
he Pacers committed 25 turnovers, allowed 38 points from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and trailed by as many as 15 points on the road.
Yet, they still found a way.
I dont know what you say about it, Haliburton admitted. I just know that this group is a resilient group and we dont give up till its zero-zero on the clock.
That unwavering belief isnt just talk. It stems from last seasons abrupt ending. After you have a run like last year and then get swept in the Eastern Conference Finals, and all the conversation is about how you dont belong there guys are going to be pissed off, Haliburton told reporters. We take everything personal.
Our coaching staff does a great job of making us aware of whats being said. We talk about it on the plane, in the locker room, he added. Were a young team, we probably spend more time on social media than we should, but we use that to fuel us.
Even in high-pressure moments, the teams faith in each other remains unshakable.
When asked about the final possession that led to his game-winning shot, Haliburton deflected praise to his teammates: Miles and Andrew made big play after big play down the stretch Obie got the rebound, passed it to me, and I just made a play.
And when it came to defending the MVP? He gave full credit to Drew. If there wasnt a 65-game rule, hes an All-Defensive guy, plain and simple, Haliburton said. Shais the hardest guy to guard one-on-one in the NBA, but Drew just does the dirty work.
So what was the turning point in Game 1?
When I got off the bus, Haliburton grinned. There was never a disbelief.
As the series continues, one thing is clear: this Pacers team believes in itself, and no amount of doubt from the outside will change that.
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