Social media users criticize Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton for avoiding post-game media following a disappointing playoff performance.

Tyrese Haliburton, the standout player for the Indiana Pacers, refrained from interacting with the media following a playoff defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers, during which he only managed to score four points.

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2025 May 11 . 4:13 AM

2 min read

Basketball player Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, following a low-scoring playoff game... — Basketball player Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, following a low-scoring playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, opted to bypass his post-match media obligations after scoring only four points.

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Last-second heroics turned sour for Indiana Pacers standout Tyrese Haliburton in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Three nights prior, Haliburton showered his team with a 2-0 series lead, sealing the deal with a game-winning three-pointer against the favorites, the Cavaliers. The stage was set for Game 3 in Indianapolis, advantage Pacers.

But Haliburton stumbled, scoring a paltry four points on a dismal 2-for-8 shooting performance. Unforgivingly, Cleveland took control, winning 126-104, cutting the series deficit to 2-1.

After the match, Haliburton was MIA for the media scrum, a move that raised eyebrows among fans and reporters alike. IndyStar assistant sports editor Matthew Glenesk put it on the line, aimed squarely at Haliburton, "You played like [crap], own up to it. Can't be the face of a franchise and then hide, IMO."

His colleague, Gregg Doyel, echoed the sentiment, sharing that Haliburton's performance was less than inspiring, both during the game and in the aftermath.

The real MVP of the night was Donovan Mitchell, ringing up 43 points in the win. Keep in mind that Mitchell had a heartbreaking 48-point performance in Game 2, where the Cavaliers squandered a 20-point lead.

As the road team triumphs in every match so far, the Pacers will seek to break the trend when they face off again in Game 4 on Sunday.

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Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' standout player, struggled in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, scoring only four points and shooting just 2-for-8, allowing the Cleveland Cavaliers to seize control and win.
After Haliburton's underwhelming performance, he was noticeably absent from the media scrum following the match, a move that raised questions among fans and reporters.
Some sports journalists, like Matthew Glenesk and Gregg Doyel, criticized Haliburton for his poor play and his post-match absence, suggesting he needs to take responsibility for his actions and lead by example as the face of the franchise.
In contrast, Donovan Mitchell emerged as the star of the night, tallying 43 points in the Cavaliers' victory, coming just shortly after his 48-point performance in Game 2 where Cleveland still lost.