Despite getting knocked out of the In-Season Tournament after a 128-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, the Milwaukee Bucks‘ two-time MVP had some positive words to say about the Pacers’ own Tyrese Haliburton.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Praises Wisconsin Native
Haliburton was the 12th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA Draft until joining the Pacers last season. In Thursday’s game, he scored 27 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds; He additionally had zero turnovers in 37 minutes of play.
The Oshkosh native was crucial for the Pacers as they looked to head to the final round of the IST. Giannis Antetokounmpo, though not happy with the way the Bucks performed, he did take time to give Haliburton his flowers, saying that “he’s playing at a very high level, and you just got to tip your head to him.”
Haliburton also sank a three-pointer with 48 seconds left of play, sealing the win for the Pacers. Antetokounmpo said he sees the talent in Haliburton, and how important he is to the team.
“I believed in my whole life that your point guard is your pace. With the pace that your point guard plays, that’s the team plays, and he plays at an incredible pace,” Giannis said. “He plays fast, quick. When we went to zone, he can slow down, and all of his teammates slow down and got to their spots.”
He also mentioned that Haliburton’s ability to make incredible shots makes him a dangerous threat on the court, and that he has a great vision that’ll make him a key and influential playmaker.
“Whenever he rebounds the ball, he always looks for outlets,” Giannis said. “He gets his teammates involved early in the offense…He’s a great shooter; A little bit of an unorthodox shot, but it goes in. He’s a threat, and down the stretch, he makes great plays, he doesn’t turn the ball over…going to get a good shot from him.”
The Pacers will move on to the final round against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, while the Bucks prep for another home game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
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