Tyrese Haliburton joins Magic Johnson in rare playoff company after Pacers’ Game 4 win over Knicks

Tyrese Haliburton continues to dominate the postseason, putting on a masterclass performance in Game 4 as the Indiana Pacers took down the New York Knicks. The star guard recorded a rare triple-double without committing a single turnover, joining an exclusive group of just three players to accomplish the feat in playoff history. With that performance, Haliburton matched an elite milestone held by none other than NBA legend Magic Johnson.

Haliburton has emerged as the Pacers’ undisputed leader during their impressive playoff run. With Indiana now holding a commanding 3–1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, the team sits just one victory away from a long-awaited trip to the NBA Finals. Fueled by Haliburton’s all-around brilliance and emotional intensity, the Pacers are locked in and riding a wave of momentum.

Meanwhile, the Knicks find themselves in a must-win situation. Dropping Game 4 has left them with no margin for error, they’ll need to win Game 5 to extend the series and force a potential Game 6 and Game 7. Although the odds appear steep, the NBA playoffs have proven time and again that no lead is ever truly safe. New York still believes it can claw its way back into the series and keep its Finals hopes alive.

Haliburton’s name has dominated headlines this week, not only for his triple-double heroics but for etching his name deeper into the record books. He now holds three triple-doubles in this postseason alone, the most by any player in these playoffs. He also joined Magic Johnson on a rare list, becoming the fastest player since Johnson to reach 500+ points, 150+ rebounds, and 250+ assists in a single playoff run.

Haliburton downplays record-breaking night

Despite a historic stat line, Haliburton isn’t buying into the hype. After leading the Pacers to a pivotal win over the Knicks, the All-Star guard addressed the media and downplayed the significance of his individual numbers. “I didn’t know any of that,” Haliburton said postgame. “I think we’re just making up stats to make me look better.”

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Haliburton’s response highlights his team-first mentality, a trait that has become a defining factor in Indiana’s postseason push. While fans and media are quick to celebrate his record-setting performances, Haliburton remains locked in on the bigger picture: winning as a unit.

Magic Johnson praises Pacers’ pace and power

Magic Johnson took to social media after Game 4 to praise Indiana’s explosive performance, spotlighting standout efforts from Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. “Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made NBA history tonight, becoming the first player with a triple-double and no turnovers, scoring 32 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds,” Johnson posted on X.

Johnson added: “Indiana forward Pascal Siakam chipped in 30 points in the Pacers’ 130–121 win over the Knicks. The key to the Pacers’ victory was playing fast all night and wearing the Knicks down.”

With the win, Indiana moved within one game of the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, powered by unselfish play, elite tempo, and a relentless attack led by their backcourt star.