Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Had One of NBA's Greatest Seasons

The Indiana Pacers pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA's best team all season, to seven games in the NBA Finals and were within two quarters of winning the championship. However, Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7, ending the Pacers' title hopes.

The Pacers had no answer for Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP who also won NBA Finals MVP. Despite Andrew Nembhard's defensive efforts, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated, averaging 30.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in the series. He scored effectively at all three levels, getting into the paint and hitting fadeaway jumpers, while also drawing fouls at an incredible rate, which frustrated Indiana and led to Aaron Nesmith fouling out twice.

Tyrese Haliburton, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, gave Gilgeous-Alexander immense credit, calling him MVP for a reason and stating he had "one of the greatest seasons in NBA history." Haliburton acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander's impact and recognized that reaching that level is necessary to win a championship.

The Pacers, perennial underdogs unlike Oklahoma City, shocked the NBA by reaching the Finals and extending the series to seven games. However, expectations for next season are low without Haliburton. While Indiana hopes for a Finals rematch with the Thunder, achieving that is considered a Herculean task.