Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 NBA Finals so far, sinking a game-winning jumper to lift the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling 111-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1.
But beyond the shot itself, Haliburton used the moment to shine a spotlight on his brand-new signature shoe line.
Just hours before tipoff on Thursday, Haliburton and PUMA officially unveiled the Hali 1s, the first sneaker collaboration between the All-Star guard and the German sportswear brand.
Haliburton didn’t waste any time breaking them in, wearing the “Hibiscus” colorway during his clutch performance and helping Indiana erase a 15-point deficit to steal the series opener.
A shot, a shoe, and a message
After the game, when asked about the secret to his late-game heroics, Haliburton gave a tongue-in-cheek nod to his new kicks.
“That’s a great question,” Haliburton said with a smile. “The secret sauce today were these,” he added, pointing to the Hali 1s resting on the table beside him.
While the shoes grabbed attention, Haliburton also credited the collective mindset of the Pacers.
The team, still carrying the sting of last season’s playoff disappointment, has used that frustration as motivation throughout their postseason run.
“I think as a group, we take everything personal as a group,” Haliburton said. “It’s not just me, it’s everybody. That’s the DNA of this group.”
At 25 years old, Haliburton has become one of the most clutch performers of this postseason.
Thursday’s game-winner was just the latest in a string of big-time shots that have helped push Indiana to the brink of a historic championship run.
From Nike to PUMA, and a viral moment
Haliburton made headlines last October when he ended his endorsement deal with Nike to sign with PUMA.
His new sneakers, designed by acclaimed New York fashion creative Salehe Bembury, feature NITRO cushioning and a lightweight construction tailored to Haliburton’s fast-paced game. The Hali 1s are expected to hit stores later this year.
After the game, Haliburton channeled a bit of sneaker lore himself, borrowing a famous line from a legendary Michael Jordan and Spike Lee commercial. Posting on X, the Pacers star wrote, “It’s gotta be the shoooeeesss.”
With Game 2 looming and Haliburton continuing to shine on the biggest stage, it’s clear that his influence now stretches from the hardwood to the sneaker world – one clutch shot at a time.
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