Stephen A. Smith can light up a segment like Reggie Miller lit up MSG in ’95, but even he might’ve underestimated how quickly Tyrese Haliburton would fire back, both with his play and his words.

After drilling yet another clutch shot at Madison Square Garden, silencing Knicks fans like the volume got turned down on national TV, Haliburton wasn’t looking for approval. Especially not from the “Is He a Superstar?” crowd on First Take. When Stephen A. Smith tried to play gatekeeper to the superstar club, Hali gave him the smoothest clapback in two simple sentences: “Stephen A, Chalamet — have it your way. Pacers in 6!”

That’s right. Haliburton invoked Timothée Chalamet, possibly to call Stephen A theatrical, dramatic, or just delightfully wrong. Or maybe just to call out Knicks fans. Either way, it was hilarious and perfectly timed, much like every fourth-quarter bucket Hali’s hit this postseason.

Now let’s give Stephen A. his due — he likes Haliburton. He just doesn’t think he’s a “superstar” yet. On First Take, Smith explained: “I think he’s a damn good player; I think he’s a star in this league. But superstar status is reserved for a select few, and I don’t view him that way… I know that he shows up in clutch moments, and he deserves that credit. He’s a big-time player, and I like him a lot.”

But then, in classic Stephen A. fashion, he went full Robert Horry mode — comparing Hali’s clutch shots to “Big Shot Bob,” who made a career out of late-game daggers but was never labeled a superstar. “Just because you show up in the clutch and make big shots doesn’t make you a superstar.”

That sound you just heard? The collective eyeroll of every Pacers fan.

The Case for Haliburton’s Superstardom

Here’s the thing — if superstardom is only about selling sneakers or getting top billing in commercials, maybe Haliburton isn’t there yet. He doesn’t have the bounce of Anthony Edwards, the gravity of Steph, or the theatrics of LeBron’s powder toss.

But on the hardwood? Oh, he’s HIM.

Haliburton has made 12 of 14 shots to tie or take the lead in the final two minutes this season. He’s 4-for-5 in the 2025 playoffs alone in those moments. That’s not just clutch — that’s Reggie Miller level, without needing 8 points in 9 seconds.

And he’s not just a scorer. He’s a floor general, an elite passer, a tempo maestro. Indiana’s offense is basically a Jenga tower, and Haliburton is the one holding it all together. Pull him out, and it collapses faster than the Lakers’ playoff hopes when AD grabs his knee.

Even Hali himself isn’t caught up in the label wars. When asked about the doubters and his own belief, he doubled down: “As long as the guys in our locker room and the people in this building believe, then you know, anything is possible. We’re really excited about the challenge. No quote, unquote expert or analyst is going to pick us, and that’s okay. We like it better that way.”

Let’s be clear: the Pacers are being treated like the afterthought at a family reunion. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers? No ESPN expert picked them. And now, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, 20 out of 23 analysts are going with OKC.

But Haliburton and the Pacers have been punking expectations all year long. They don’t run a traditional offense, they don’t rely on iso-heavy possessions, and they don’t need a “top 3 in the league” guy to get it done. What they do have is chemistry, pace, and a lead guard who sees the floor like prime Steve Nash with better shot selection.

Sure, OKC’s defense is elite. Historically great, in fact. But Haliburton has made a career out of breaking down disciplined defenses with one behind-the-back skip pass and a side-eye no-look.

So while Stephen A. is waiting for more “box-office” moments, Hali’s out here scripting his own playoff highlight reel — in permanent marker.

Look, if Haliburton drags the Pacers to a championship over a defense like Oklahoma City’s, the “Is he a superstar?” debate ends. Period. Whether Stephen A. likes it or not, basketball fans know what their eyes are telling them.

And just in case there’s any doubt, Haliburton already summed it up the best: “Pacers in 6.”

Mic drop.