The Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton, a rapidly rising NBA star, will face his childhood idol LeBron James in the first-ever In-Season Tournament (IST) championship game. Haliburton expressed his excitement about competing against James, whom he idolized while growing up.

Why It Matters

This matchup is significant as it represents the convergence of Haliburton's childhood dream and his current career trajectory, highlighting the changing of the guard in the NBA.

By the Numbers
  • Haliburton scored 27 points with 15 assists and no turnovers in the IST semifinal, leading the Pacers to a 128-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Haliburton is enjoying a career year, averaging 26.9 points and an NBA-best 12.1 assists.
State of Play
  • Tyrese Haliburton, a fast-rising NBA star, is set to compete against LeBron James, a four-time champion and 19-time All-Star, in the IST championship game.
  • Pacers reserve guard Andrew Nembhard will miss the championship game due to a right knee injury.
What's Next

The outcome of the IST championship game will likely garner attention, shaping perceptions of Haliburton's potential and impact on the league.