Nobody really knows what’s running through a player’s head in those high-stakes, adrenaline-filled moments. One second you’re locked in, completely dialed into the chaos of the game, and the next-you’re caught in a slightly embarrassing situation on national TV. That’s probably what happened to Tyrese Haliburton, who had a moment that instantly became meme-worthy.
As the camera rolled, and Ernie Johnson prepped the announcement, Haliburton confidently took a step forward. The only problem was that the award wasn’t his. It went to Pascal Siakam. And yes, the entire awkward moment was caught on video.
When the spotlight hits, sometimes reality takes a step behind
Haliburton had been lights-out throughout the Eastern Conference Finals, and his fingerprints were all over Indiana’s success. So when the time came to announce the ECF MVP, the assumption in the arena-and maybe in Haliburton’s own mind-was that it would be him.
Pacers fans probably felt the same shock Haliburton did, but the MVP voting panel saw it differently. While Haliburton had the crowd’s energy and expectations, it was Siakam who got the final nod-by just a single vote. You could almost feel the “wait, what?” ripple through the room. The moment was brief, but it added another wrinkle to what was already a dramatic series.
Numbers don’t lie, but votes might
To be fair, Haliburton’s numbers backed up the hype: he averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. Sure, he had a few turnovers and shot 45.5% from the field, but that’s still elite-level production. The numbers were MVP-worthy in their own right-just not quite enough this time around. But let’s take a step back and say that Siakam’s achievement is undeniable. You could say it was a close call, a tough decision, and even a bit unexpected for some.
In Game 6, Haliburton dished out 13 assists and dropped 21 points, showing exactly why the Pacers went all-in on this core. The front office rolled the dice by bringing in Siakam and Haliburton, trading away familiar faces to build a new foundation.
Now with a trip to the NBA Finals locked in, they’re headed straight into the fire-facing a powerhouse Oklahoma City squad. Whatever happens next, Haliburton and the Pacers aren’t done making headlines just yet.
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