Tyrese Haliburton has officially entered the conversation as one of the NBA’s most clutch players — and the numbers don’t lie. This season, the Indiana Pacers’ star guard is an astonishing 10-for-11 on shots to tie or take the lead in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime. That’s not just impressive — that’s elite-level execution under the brightest and most pressure-filled moments. In a league where stars are often judged by their performance in crunch time, Haliburton is proving he has ice in his veins.
Known for his smooth playmaking and high basketball IQ, Haliburton’s clutch gene has taken center stage this year. The ability to stay calm and deliver when the game is on the line is something few players possess. Being 10-for-11 in those high-leverage situations isn’t just a hot streak — it speaks to poise, preparation, and a deep understanding of when and how to attack.
What makes Haliburton’s clutch efficiency even more impressive is the degree of difficulty of some of those shots. Whether it’s a step-back three over a taller defender, a floater in the lane through contact, or a pull-up jumper in transition, he’s doing it all. And he’s doing it against defensive units designed to stop him, with full scouting reports, switches, and traps trying to force the ball out of his hands. Yet somehow, Haliburton keeps finding ways to deliver.
His performance in the clutch this season has been a major reason why the Pacers have surged into playoff contention. In late-game situations, teams often fall apart or lean heavily on isolation basketball. But with Haliburton, Indiana plays with purpose and spacing, trusting their point guard to make the right read — and more often than not, that read ends in a bucket.
Haliburton’s decision-making and composure have elevated him into a true franchise cornerstone. At just 24 years old, he’s not only putting up All-Star numbers but doing so with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. His confidence in big moments has also inspired those around him. Young teammates like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard have stepped up alongside him, feeding off the belief that if the game is close, Haliburton will find a way to win it.
Coaches around the league are taking notice, too. Defensive schemes down the stretch are now being tailored to stop him first and force someone else to beat them — a true sign of respect. But even with that attention, he continues to make plays. Whether it’s finding the open man or knocking down the big shot himself, Haliburton has emerged as one of the best closers in basketball.
Ten makes in eleven chances to tie or take the lead in the last two minutes? That’s not just a stat — that’s a statement. Tyrese Haliburton is not just Indiana’s floor general — he’s their closer. And this season, he’s proven he’s ready for the moment every single time.
