Austin Rivers has publicly criticized Indiana Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton for his lackluster performance ahead of a crucial Game 6 in their series against the New York Knicks. Rivers pointed out that Haliburton needs to be more aggressive, especially after scoring just 13 points in Game 5. The Pacers, who suffered a 30-point defeat in Game 5, need a win on Friday to stay in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Despite early success this season, Haliburton's performance has dipped since the midseason acquisition of Pascal Siakam.

By the Numbers
  • Tyrese Haliburton scored 13 points in Game 5.
  • Jalen Brunson of the Knicks scored over 40 points in the same game.
  • Haliburton's standout performances included 34 points and 9 assists in Game 2 and 35 points in Game 3.
Yes, But

While Haliburton has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency remains a concern. His scoring dropped significantly after the Siakam trade, affecting the Pacers' offensive rhythm. River's comments underline the pressure on Haliburton to perform at a high level consistently.

State of Play
  • The Pacers are on the brink of elimination, trailing the Knicks.
  • Friday's Game 6 is a must-win for Indiana to force a Game 7.
What's Next

Tyrese Haliburton must elevate his game, providing both scoring and playmaking if the Pacers are to extend their playoff run. The focus will be on whether he can respond to Rivers' criticism and lead his team back into contention.

Bottom Line

The Pacers' fate in the playoffs will largely hinge on Haliburton's ability to rise to the occasion in Game 6. His performance can either drive a comeback or confirm the doubts cast by his detractors.