On June 1 , in the sixth game of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125-108. They won the series with a big score of 4-2 and advanced to the 2024-25 NBA Finals. After the game, the team's core player Tyrese Haliburton said in an interview that such a victory was particularly special because their start was not smooth and the team went through many challenges to get to where they are today.

" It's a special feeling, " Haliburton said in the interview. " It feels really special to be able to do this for this team because our starting road was not smooth. " This sentence is simple but profound, revealing the hardships and persistence of the Pacers along the way this season.

Indeed, as a young team that was not widely favored by the outside world, the Pacers were considered difficult to stand out in the East at the beginning of the season. But under the leadership of Haliburton, the team gradually found its own rhythm, relying on stable teamwork and strong mental will, and entered the playoffs step by step, and finally won the Eastern Conference championship and entered the finals.

Haliburton's performance was the key to the team's promotion. In this game, he played for 36 minutes and 31 seconds, shot 9 of 17, 2 of 5 three-pointers , 1 of 1 free throws , and scored an all-around 21 points, 6 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, with a plus-minus value of +24 . He not only provided the team with stable output on the offensive end, but also fully activated the team through organizational connection and active performance on the defensive end.

More importantly, Haliburton is not a star who relies on statistics to build his halo. His leadership and calm mind on the court are the biggest guarantee for the Pacers to stabilize their position and turn the tide in critical moments. With every timeout and every key pass, he is helping the team move towards victory in his own way.

Now, the Pacers are about to face the challenge of the finals. For Haliburton, this is not only a glorious journey, but also an important moment to test whether he can truly become a superstar. From a young point guard who was traded to the core of the team leading the Pacers to the finals, Haliburton has proved his value and future with practical actions.

For the Pacers, this season has been an extraordinary journey; and for Haliburton, this is just the beginning of his career peak. In the upcoming finals, all fans are looking forward to more exciting performances from him.