Tyrese Haliburton and Wally Szczerbiak looking to move on from old comments, but not before Haliburton crushes New York Knicks
Tyrese Haliburton and Wally Szczerbiak are ready to put the past behind them. But Haliburton wasn't ready until Saturday night was over.
Last season, Szczerbiak made headlines when he said, "Mr. supposed, wannabe, fake All-Star with a miss," during a broadcast of a Pacers-Knicks game on MSG Networks, where he works as an analyst. The former All-Star guard apologized later, and Haliburton shrugged the comments off, but it was still a lingering storyline entering Saturday. It was the first time that Haliburton was healthy and could finish a Pacers-Knicks game since those words were spoken.
Haliburton is petty, and he will be the first to admit it. He can use anything as motivation, even Tweets from accounts with few followers. It's part of what makes him great — he can find another gear for any game.
It's natural that, despite an apology, Szczerbiak's comments became a big deal for the young guard. Being called a wannabe, fake All-Star by somebody that Haliburton doesn't even have a relationship with had to be motivating.
Thus, Indiana's star was ready for Pacers-Knicks yesterday. And he played like it. Multiple times throughout the game, he looked over toward Szczerbiak after a big play. It was their first battle since January of 2023.
Haliburton played an unbelievable game. He tied the Pacers franchise record for assists in one outing, and he also had his second-straight game with 20+ points and 20+ assists. He's just the third player ever to accomplish that feat, joining John Stockton and Magic Johnson.
After the game, Haliburton was asked if going against the team that Szczerbiak's analyst work is broadcast for was motivating. "Yes," he said, making things clear. He had no other response to the question.
As a follow up, Haliburton was asked if the game was something he specifically looked forward to. "Nah, that's an extracurricular activity," the 23-year old said. He shared that his big motivator was that Indiana went 1-3 against New York last season. "All that other stuff is extra. Just having fun playing basketball."
The Pacers young star is on a roll right now, putting up historic numbers in consecutive games. He's averaging 26.3 points and 17.0 assists per game since December 23, and the Pacers are 3-1 in that stretch. They have busted out of a slump in a huge way.
Haliburton led the charge, and he also exploded out of a down stretch. His run of play has been historic of late.
To end his press conference after the game, Haliburton was asked if he believes that his feud with Szczerbiak is over. "I feel like it's a one-sided feud," he said, noting that he has never said anything about the former 10-year pro. "It's in the past for me, I've moved on. Ask him how he feels now," he added.
Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files did exactly that. He asked Szczerbiak about the situation after the game. "My job is to just do my job as an analyst, be professional and that wasn't my most professional moment what I said last year. I acknowledged that and now we move on from it," Szczerbiak told Agness.
With a full game to let things settle, it seems clear that both parties want to move on. Haliburton will use the comments as a chip on his shoulder forever, but the personal nature of the events will fade as time progresses. On Saturday, though, Haliburton was his usual motivated self, and he tore apart the Knicks.
- Tyrese Haliburton is working through increased attention and pressure from defenses for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers change starting lineup to get more consistent physicality and defense on the court. CLICK HERE.
- Jarace Walker showing important growth for Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Led by historic night from Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers take down New York Knicks for third-straight win. CLICK HERE.
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