Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“Sometimes It’s Warranted, Sometimes It’s Not”- Tyrese Haliburton Opens Up on Being On Receiving End of Constant Criticism

Haliburton has been averaging 16.6 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton opened up on how it feels to be on the receiving end of constant criticism. The 25-year-old addressed the media after the Pacers pulled off a 129-109 blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of their conference semifinals. He said that criticism sometimes is warranted and sometimes not, but it is all part of the game.

Haliburton told the media, “I’m just a basketball player, I love what I do. I love being here in Indiana, I love playing for this organization. I feel like, you know, criticism, sometimes it’s warranted, sometimes it’s not, but it’s all a part of it.”

"It's just basketball bro… I love what I do. I love my job… criticism is sometimes warranted, sometimes it's not… it's all a part of it."

Tyrese Haliburton on navigating stardom 👏 https://t.co/OqexoD1gox pic.twitter.com/NMiKR1ONju
— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2025

The two-time NBA All-Star has been receiving flak from the audience and pundits off late. After being named the most overrated player in the NBA by players, he has received massive “overrated” chants at the arena and on the internet.

However, the star guard continues to remain poised and focused towards his game. Speaking about it, Haliburton said that he finds it hilarious that most of the time, people who troll him are the ones who don’t know anything about him.

The Oshkosh-born said, “I have a lot of fun with what I do, and I think there’s always commentary behind what I do, positive or negative. It’s hilarious because a lot of times it’s people who know nothing about me have so much to say.”

Haliburton continued, “It’s usually the people who don’t come around or don’t spend any time around me that have the most to say but that’s that’s all part of it.”

Also Read: What Is the Largest Halftime Lead in NBA Playoff History?

How Many Points Did Tyrese Haliburton Score in Game 4 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers?

Tyrese Haliburton, who headed into Game 4 with something to prove, dropped 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists across 26 minutes of action in Sunday’s blowout win. He was shooting 3-of-8 from the field, 1-of-5 from threes and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.

Haliburton, who scored just four points in Game 3, couldn’t do much offensively. However, the Pacers still sailed to a smooth win with Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin scoring a combined 61 points.

The NBA All-Rookie first team 2021 selection has been averaging 16.6 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs.

His contribution in a crucial Sunday-night game helped the Pacers take down the table-toppers in a blowout fashion. The game also saw the Pacers setting multiple NBA playof f record s. In what is a do-or-die match for the Cavaliers, both teams will be up in Game 5 of the series on Tuesday, May 13 at Rocket Arena.

Also Read: Pacers vs. Cavaliers: Obi Toppin Replicates Dr. J-Like Reverse Layup, Reminds of 1980 NBA Finals When Julius Erving Produced Iconic Circus Finish

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.