Tyrese Haliburton tops key metric over Gilgeous-Alexander in the playoffs after Pacers vs. Knicks Game 2

Tyrese Haliburton has delivered back-to-back standout performances for the Indiana Pacers in their playoff series against the New York Knicks. In Game 1, he hit a crucial shot to force overtime and spark a victory. In Game 2, he tallied 11 assists, once again proving instrumental to Indiana’s success. Haliburton is also leading a key statistical category among all active players in the NBA Playoffs, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Pacers fans are dreaming beyond just advancing past the Knicks. After two impressive showings at Madison Square Garden, Indiana is experiencing one of its most promising stretches this postseason, inching closer to its ultimate goal: a return to the NBA Finals.

As the playoffs intensify, Haliburton and the Pacers are laser-focused on chasing a championship. Their recent form suggests that goal is within reach, and Haliburton’s dominance in isolation scoring offers even more reason for optimism heading into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, Haliburton currently leads all remaining postseason players in one-on-one isolation points per possession. With an average of 1.17 points per possession (PPP), he ranks ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander, who was recently named the league’s MVP.

Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers.

Top 8 Isolation Scorers (2024–25 NBA Playoffs):

1. Tyrese Haliburton – 1.17 PPP
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 1.06 PPP
3. OG Anunoby – 1.06 PPP
4. Jalen Brunson – 1.05 PPP
5. Jalen Williams – 1.04 PPP
6. Julius Randle – 0.90 PPP
7. Karl-Anthony Towns – 0.84 PPP
8. Anthony Edwards – 0.82 PPP

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Tyrese Haliburton shares backstory behind Reggie Miller’s ‘choke sign’ in Pacers vs Knicks Game 1

Despite Indiana’s momentum and Haliburton’s statistical success, the Pacers guard took a moment postgame to send a personal message, this time about his father. His father is currently suspended from attending NBA games following an incident involving Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Speaking to Bleacher Report, Haliburton stated: “Free Pops until it’s backwards.” With Haliburton thriving on the court, the potential return of his father to the stands could add an emotional boost as the team continues its title pursuit.

The Pacers will host Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the home crowd expected to bring the noise, Indiana hopes to take full advantage and move one step closer to a Finals appearance.