The Indiana Pacers suffered another setback Monday night, dropping a close 119-115 contest to the Orlando Magic.
The loss stung deeper as Pacers fans watched the Magic’s impressive showing, highlighting another rising force in the Eastern Conference.
Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles continued, as the Pacers’ star managed just 6 of 15 from the field in the defeat.
With a disappointing 1-3 start to the 2024-25 season, last year’s Eastern Conference Finals runner-up finds itself under increasing scrutiny.
NBA analysts have begun questioning the team’s trajectory, with ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins delivering particularly pointed criticism about their playoff prospects.
Perkins specifically targeted Haliburton’s early-season performance, raising concerns about the guard’s offseason preparation.
“I’m watching a guy like Tyrese Halliburton come into this season, I don’t know if he’s necessarily been putting in the work that he needs to put in,” Perkins remarked on ESPN’s Countdown.
He drew comparisons to other young talents, noting, “When you’re watching the other young guys around the league, from Paulo Banchero to Chet Holmgren, those guys look like they’ve been working on what they need to work on.”
“I don’t know if [Tyrese Haliburton] necessarily been putting in the work that he needs to put in.” 😳 @KendrickPerkins wants to see more from Hali and the Indiana Pacers this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/7F9xzWlryF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 30, 2024
The numbers support some of these concerns. Haliburton’s statistics have taken a noticeable dip, averaging just 14 points while shooting a concerning 26 percent from three-point range.
His playmaking impact has also diminished, managing only five assists through the opening four games.
However, is it a bit too early to judge the Pacers?
The Pacers demonstrated their potential as a lower-seed playoff team last season, suggesting they possess the capability to reverse their current trajectory.
While Haliburton’s performance hasn’t matched his All-NBA standards, the season remains young.
For Haliburton, the path forward is clear. To dispel notions of last season being an anomaly and silence critics like Perkins, he needs to rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting young players.
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Tyrese Haliburton Is Off To A Rough Start To Season
