Despite early predictions favoring the Cleveland Cavaliers in their playoff game, the Indiana Pacers remained focused and composed under pressure. That calm approach paid off as they pulled off back-to-back wins in the conference semifinals.
In their 120-119 victory on Tuesday, Tyrese Haliburton emerged as a key figure for the Pacers. Yet, as Indiana trailed by ten points, Cavaliers fans tried to rattle Haliburton by chanting “overrated” while he stood at the free-throw line. Cavs star Donovan Mitchell waved to the crowd to stop the jeers and show respect.
After the game, Haliburton didn’t hold back when asked about the crowd’s behavior. He opened with a defiant two-word remark, saying, “Overrate that.” He then elaborated on the moment in the press conference.
“I mean, sure, yeah. That one was unexpected. I didn’t know we had beef, but yeah, I guess that I mean good for them, and that came out of nowhere. But it’s just I think now that that label’s there. They’re all as I was gonna be every time we play somebody every time on the road,” Haliburton said.
“Overrate that” 🗣️
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2025
Hali had a message for Cavs fans chanting “overrated” at him 👀 pic.twitter.com/AyN3Fx5nhK
“It’ll probably follow me until the next poll comes out, and then we’ll see if I’m number one again, but you know me. I just control what I can,” he added.
Pacers Back Tyrese Haliburton In Social Media Post
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It wasn’t just Haliburton defending himself; his team stood firmly behind him as well. Following the buzzer-beating win, the Indiana Pacers’ official X account posted a rallying message in support of their star guard.
“never down. never out,” the post read.
never down. never out 😤#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/sCYbWzVerW
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 7, 2025
With less than two seconds remaining, Haliburton drained a clutch three-pointer to seal the victory. He finished the night with 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists while shooting 7-of-11 from the field. His leadership and composure have now put the Pacers firmly in control of the series with a 2-0 lead.
