The Indiana Pacers began the NBA Finals series with Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center, and it proved to be an exciting showdown. The atmosphere was electrifying, but it was Tyrese Haliburton’s thrilling performance in the final moments that truly captured everyone’s attention.
The Thunder were moments away from clinching the game, enjoying a narrow one-point advantage with a mere six seconds left on the clock. In a thrilling display, Haliburton drove and executed a stunning shot that sealed the win for the Pacers. However, despite this remarkable performance, Smith isn’t entirely sold on the notion that Haliburton qualifies as a true superstar.
“I think [Tyrese Haliburton] is one of the most clutch players we’ve seen in the postseason era. You can’t say enough about the clutch genes that he has, the ice in his veins. Regardless of the fact that I disagree with the superstar status, he is a young rising star in this game. This is not a scrub. This is not somebody who is overrated. The brother can play,” Smith said on the recent episode of First Take.
.@stephenasmith still isn't convinced Tyrese Haliburton is a "superstar." pic.twitter.com/Rs27O03113
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 6, 2025
Haliburton played 39 minutes in Game 1 against the Thunder, scoring 14 points, providing six assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds. His clutch play in the final seconds secured the Pacers’ 111-110 victory.
Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Take On Tyrese Haliburton Sparks Fan Support
When Smith’s statement regarding Haliburton emerged on social media, it quickly caught the attention of fans, who enthusiastically rallied behind him in the comment section.
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One fan said, “He’s a clutch star but superstar means you need to average 27 points.”
He’s a clutch star but superstar means you need to average 27 points
— Chris Reilly (@C_Reilly5) June 6, 2025
Another fan said, “Haliburton isn’t a superstar but he is CLUTCH.”
Haliburton isn't a superstar but he is CLUTCH!
— Ernest (@Mr_Rdz3) June 6, 2025
Another fan commented, “That’s crazy.”
That’s crazy
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) June 6, 2025
A sports enthusiast mentioned, “He’s not a superstar be serious.”
He’s not a superstar be serious
— BGB (@BigGualaBets) June 6, 2025
Another fan commented, “you know – I don’t hate this take but he’s easily the most clutch player in the nba so it evens out big.”
you know – I don’t hate this take but he’s easily the most clutch player in the nba so it evens out big
— dfuzecr_ (@dfuzecr_) June 6, 2025
Another fan criticized Haliburton, “I agree – he’s not quite a SUPERSTAR yet…”
I agree – he's not quite a SUPERSTAR yet…
— K.M. (@UncleJemima29) June 6, 2025
A sports enthusiast commented, “We’re using the term “superstar” way too loosely these days.”
We're using the term "superstar" way too loosely these days.
— Little Jerry Lawler (@almightyreptar) June 6, 2025
The Pacers will play Game 2 of the NBA Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
