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With the fury of a team tired of waiting, the Pacers stormed into the 2025 NBA playoffs and blindsided the Bucks, seizing Game 1 with a ruthless blend of speed, skill, and swagger. Pascal Siakam carved up Milwaukee’s defense like a chef at a hibachi grill. While Myles Turner’s three-pointers rained down like confetti at a parade. In Game 2, Tyrese Haliburton turned the hardwood into his personal chessboard, threading no-look passes and sinking dagger threes, even as Giannis roared back with a 34-point explosion that still left the Bucks chasing shadows.

Then came the firefight in Milwaukee. Game 3 saw Gary Trent Jr., long lurking in the background, erupt for nine three-pointers, each one a flare shot that cut into Indiana’s momentum. Giannis bulldozed through the paint like a blacksmith forging destiny, flattening defenders and dragging Milwaukee back into the series. Now, as Game 4 looms, the playoffs hum with a single burning question: can Haliburton’s sleight of hand outlast Giannis’ storm, or are we racing toward a Game 7 clash for the ages? On this, the first ballot pick hall of famer Carmelo Anthony had some thoughts on the Pacers.

Carmelo Anthony, on his 7 PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony Podcast, weighed in on the Pacers. He said, “Let’s give credit to Indy, though. Indy smell blood. They hunting. You know what I’m saying? You gotta respect that from Indie. Yep. You gotta think everybody talks shit about Indie.” Commenting on the fact that the Indiana Pacers took the Bucks by storm in the first two playoff games, dishing out two straight defeats to the Bucks. With betting websites reflecting this lack of faith, ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Pacers were given just +6600 odds to win the NBA championship, ranking 17th among all teams and translating to only a 1.5% chance of winning the title.

Anthony then credited Tyrese Haliburton, saying, “Like we gotta stop saying that Haliburton is overrated….. We gotta stop saying that he’s not good. Haliburton is very, very, very good. Like, let’s let’s let’s not negate that. “ This is consistent from Melo. Melo has previously vouched for Haliburton on his podcast’s pilot, where he showed support for him. Suggesting Melo tried to convince the Knicks to sign him. He said, “Haliburton would be someone I always like, I was trying to get him with the Knicks like years ago, like, ‘Yo, draft him. … I wasn’t even on the Knicks, but like, ‘Yo, y’all better draft him”

And why wouldn’t Melo vouch for him. Tyrese Haliburton has managed to average 17.5 points, 8.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 333 regular-season games, while being selected as an all star twice. If this isn’t prophecy come true, what is? With killer performances and Melo’s consistent approval, there is one nagging claim that needs to be put to rest. Let us see what it is.

Is Tyrese Haliburton overrated?

Tyrese Haliburton has made it clear this season,  he’s not just good, he’s the real deal. If anyone still thinks he’s overrated, they simply haven’t been watching. Haliburton’s been the engine behind everything the Pacers have done right in 2024-25. He’s running the offense with crazy court vision, making smart plays, hitting clutch shots, and averaging around 20 points while dishing out assists like it’s easy work. Indiana finally feels like a real problem in the East, and a lot of that is because of him.

And when the playoffs hit, Haliburton didn’t shy away from the moment. Yeah, Game 1 against the Bucks wasn’t his smoothest scoring night, but even when his shot wasn’t falling, he still dropped 12 assists and grabbed 7 boards. That’s how you know he’s built different. Then he bounced right back in Game 2. By putting up 21 points and another 12 dimes, keeping Indiana cool and in control. You can’t teach that kind of composure. He’s not just putting up empty stats — he’s actually leading a team, setting the tone on both ends of the floor, and making everyone around him better.

Bottom line: Haliburton isn’t overrated.  If anything, he might still be a little underrated for how much he does without needing to dominate the ball or take 30 shots a night. As the Pacers gear up for a real playoff run, it’s clear they’ve got a superstar in the making. And he’s just getting started. What do you think? Let us