“Clutch time is different” — Stephen A. Smith credits Tyrese Haliburton's 47% tight-defense shooting in NBA playoffs

Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as the NBA's latest clutch player , shining when it counts the most. Even Stephen A. Smith , a long-time doubter and passionate New York Knicks fan, had to acknowledge Haliburton's brilliance after Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals . The Indiana Pacers ' point guard not only leveled the score at the buzzer but also demonstrated a level of poise that compelled Smith to reconsider his views. As Haliburton's playoff performances continue to impress, the conversation about his superstar credentials is really heating up.

Tyrese Haliburton's playoff heroics challenge Jalen Brunson 's Clutch Player of the Year titleIn the 2024–25 NBA season, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks took home the Clutch Player of the Year award, leading the league with 156 clutch points and a 51.5% shooting percentage in those critical moments. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton's performances in the playoffs are making a solid case for his own clutch status. In Game 1 against the Knicks, Haliburton made a game-tying shot at the buzzer, which sent the game into overtime, where the Pacers won 138–135.

Haliburton really shines when the pressure's on. This season, he's hit 12 out of 14 shots (86%) to either tie or take the lead in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, which is the highest percentage since they started keeping track in 1996–97. Plus, during the 2025 playoffs, he's gone 5-for-6 (83.3%) in those clutch moments, tying for the most in a single postseason since 1997.

Every shot from Tyrese Haliburton to tie or take the lead in the last 2 minutes this season pic.twitter.com/O3DwUty1JA

— Pitless (@pitlessball) May 22, 2025

Stephen A. Smith, initially critical of Haliburton, acknowledged the guard's clutch performances, stating, "So, again, clutch time is different since you're talking about the last five minutes or so. But that last shot? After we've seen what he's done against Cleveland? When we saw what he's done against the New York Knicks? When we saw what he's done throughout these playoffs? Against Milwaukee? In these playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton has been money." He highlighted Haliburton's 47% shooting against tight defenses in the postseason, surpassing Brunson's 45%.

Haliburton's journey through the playoffs has been highlighted by significant moments: a game-winning layup against the Milwaukee Bucks, an important three-pointer to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, and now, a critical shot against the Knicks. These performances are reshaping how his role in the league is perceived.

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Tyrese Haliburton's amazing clutch plays are not just pushing the Indiana Pacers forward in the playoffs, but they're also shaking up the usual ideas about who really earns the 'superstar' title. With the Eastern Conference Finals in full swing, everyone will be watching Haliburton to find out if he can keep up this high standard and cement his status among the NBA's best.