Tyrese Haliburton’s Historic NBA Finals Game-Winner Ties Reggie Miller’s Clutch Play Record, Trails Only LeBron James in Playoffs History

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 6, 2025 - 2 min read

Tyrese Haliburton Etches Name Alongside LeBron, Reggie in Clutch Playoff Record Book

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Tyrese Haliburton is scripting records and establishing himself in the company of legends through his clutch plays and game winners. The Indiana Pacers guard struck another dagger on Thursday in the NBA Finals 2025 game 1. His game-winner stripped the Thunder of their home-court advantage with ruthless precision.

This Playoff run has marked a true awakening for Tyrese Haliburton’s superstar ascent. He has bailed his team out multiple times through buzzer beaters and final game winner plays. The 25-year-old remains one of the key reasons behind the Pacers presence in the NBA Finals.

With his game-winning shot on Thursday night, Tyrese Haliburton has matched Reggie Miller’s record for the most go-ahead or game-tying field goals in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime, tracked since the 1997 Playoffs. Reggie, long known for his clutch play, now shares this rare feat with Haliburton.

Most go-ahead or game-tying FG’s in the final 5 seconds of 4th/OT (since 1997 playoffs):

🔸LeBron James – 8

🔸Reggie Miller – 5

🔸Tyrese Haliburton – 5

HALI IN ELITE COMPANY 🤝 pic.twitter.com/M4OHbstXPz
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 6, 2025

Only LeBron James stands ahead of Haliburton on this list, with eight go-ahead or game-tying shots. The Pacers’ young floor general, still years from his prime, has ample time to surpass the Lakers legend in the seasons to come.

Comeback Kings Storm Through OKC Pressure

The Indiana Pacers faced several disappointing moments throughout the Playoffs. However, they collectively held the belief till the end which is what has taken them to the NBA Finals and also the game 1 victory.

Tyrese Haliburton on the team resilience spoke, “We are a resilient group. We don’t give up until the clock hits zero. We do a great job of just staying in the moment. We just walk teams down.”

Despite being down by 15 points while entering the fourth quarter, the Pacers held their heads high. Slowly they crept inside and marked a monumental comeback on the back of Tyrese Haliburton fade away shot. Despite a cold shooting night with just 15 points, Haliburton delivered when it mattered most.

Indiana Pacers

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals

NBA Finals 2025

OKC Thunder

Reggie Miller

Tyrese Haliburton

Akash Vaishnav

nba

wnba

I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.